A child once asked Pope Francis, ‘If you could perform one miracle, what would it be?’— his response had people tearing up

Many of us have ideas in our minds as to what we’d do if we got some superpower. Pope Francis, the late head of the Catholic Church, was no different. The Holy Father passed away a few days ago on Easter Monday, per The Vatican News. Known for his love and compassion for children, the late Pope has had an inspiring and heartwarming connection with children. A few years ago, he responded to letters from children all over the world, per Inspire More. His responses were then compiled in a book titled “Dear Pope Francis.” One of the responses to 7-year-old William’s question has touched hearts.

Pope Francis was elected Head of the Catholic Church in 2013 and after a 12-year-long journey of leadership, he passed away aged 88 on April 21, per BBC News. The late pontiff was known for his compassion and mercy. Speaking at the First International Summit on Children’s Rights earlier in February this year, he emphasized the priceless gift of children, per The Vatican News. “Nothing is worth more than the life of a child,” he said as he addressed global leaders and several others. Speaking of children suffering due to poverty, sickness, war, trafficking and several dilemmas, Pope Francis noted that it was unacceptable and saddening. 

Throughout his pontificate, he urged all to love and protect children. “A childhood denied is a silent scream condemning the wrongness of the economic system, the criminal nature of wars, the lack of adequate medical care and schooling,” the late Vicar said. His words, like many other insights shared during his tenure, reveal his in-depth love for children. A post shared by the Catholic News Agency of his various encounters with children reveals the latter. The compilation of his responses to letters from children also speaks volumes about his love. A 7-year-old boy named William’s letter, in particular, summarized it perfectly. In a post shared by @stujoph, the little boy asked the Pope, “If you could do one miracle, what would it be?” He had a sure answer. He wrote, “I would heal children.” 

Elaborating further, Pope Francis noted, “I’ve never been able to understand why children suffer. It’s a mystery to me, I don’t have an explanation.” The rate of children suffering chronic pediatric illnesses has risen by 30% in the last two decades, per UCLA Health. Data from Statista revealed that 56% of children in the United States fail to get or find it difficult to get help for their mental health. Unveiling more stats, Pope Francis added that this question has often crossed his mind, causing him to reflect and pray about it. “Jesus wept and by weeping, he understood our tragedies. Yes, if I could perform a miracle, I would heal every child,” he remarked.

It was also noted, “My answer to the pain of children is silence, or perhaps a word that rises from my tears. I’m not afraid to cry, you shouldn’t be either.” The caption of the post added to the serenity of the response. It read, “He offered responses that gave peace where understanding failed.” The late Pope’s response became a hope and strength to many. @lilbugmurdock wrote, “He was a good man.” @curleywhurleyhay said, “I love that last line— ‘I’m not afraid to cry, you shouldn’t be either.' That’s fatherly and encouraging.”

Julie Dupaya shared the late Vicar’s response in a post on Facebook. In her caption, she wrote, “Flipped through this book last year because I expected it to be cute and funny. Never thought I would cry over a children’s book, but the page I cried over affirmed to me that it was okay to cry.” The global church celebrated the life of the Holy Father and conducted his funeral on April 26. His remains were laid to rest in St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, per AP News.