Grab a tissue and prepare for your eyes to glaze over. A frightened boy whispers to the Pope, “Is your father in heaven?” The Pope responds with consolation, consolation, and grace.
Pope Francis visited St. Paul’s Parish in Rome. Popes typically expect to impart God’s words of wisdom and meet with people who need direction, comfort, and inspiration. I’m sure he didn’t expect the child to ask about where his father was.
A brave and curious boy had a question that burned a hole in his broken heart. Emanuele walked up to the microphone. But as he looked around, stage fright hit him.
The Pope then invited Emanuele to whisper his own questions into the Pope’s ear. Emanuele shyly walked over and collapsed into the Pope’s arms. It was as if he needed a warm embrace from his heavenly father and he whispered the question he desperately wanted answered.
“Is my father in heaven?”
The Pope’s Compassionate Answer to the Boy’s Question
The moment between them seemed to last forever until Emanuele walked away with tears in his eyes.
The Pope then addressed the diocese.he Said“I wish we could cry like Emanuele when we feel the pain in our hearts like he did.”
After addressing children in the diocese, the pope continued to answer Emanuele’s questions. Emanuele wondered, “Is my father in heaven?”
In the video, the Pope said that Emanuele’s father had himself and his other brothers baptized, but that his father did not believe in Christ.
The crowd fell silent and huddled around the Pope’s answer.
“God never abandons His children…I’m sure this pleased Him very much.” He went on to say that God knew that Emanuele’s father had brought them up in the church and had them baptized in the name of Christ. He said he was proud. The Pope went on to tell the sweet and precious child that he could speak to his father.
What a great way to comfort a grieving child and help them understand how God does not abandon us in our time of need.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18.
Featured image credit: Youtube/Arlington Catholic Herald
Originally published by GodUpdates. Used with permission.
