On Sunday morning, December 18, Pope Francis celebrated his 86th birthday with a group of children from the Vatican’s “Santa Marta” Pediatric Dispensary, together with their families and volunteers.

During his speech, the Holy Father thanked them for their presence “on this day of joy that prepares us for Christmas”.

Also in attendance were some Ukrainian families hosted in Rome. For this reason, the Pope asked not to forget the children of Ukraine, “so many children suffer because of the war; they also suffer elsewhere because of injustice.”

“If the Lord gives us this joy of celebrating Christmas like this, all together, in peace, let us also think of those who suffer and pray for them, all together,” Pope Francis asked.  

The Santa Marta Dispensary was founded on May 8, 1922 with the blessing of Pope Pius XI.

Since its foundation, it has offered a service to the poor with medical assistance to minors covering all pediatric specialties.

It also offers health assistance to mothers and some services for the whole family of the minor. It also provides food aid for families without resources.