This morning, just before noon, at the end of the audiences, Pope Leo XIV joined the approximately 310 children and young people participating in the "Estate Ragazzi in Vaticano" summer center in Paul VI Hall. They had been joined shortly after 11 a.m. by another 300 children and youths from Ukraine who were welcomed for the summer by Italian Caritas. This was reported by the Vatican Press Office, informing that the Pontiff was welcomed by the animators of the summer center and talked with the children and answered some questions. Pope Leo told about his childhood, attending Mass, where he met other children, other friends, but especially the place where he met "the best friend, Jesus". During the meeting, the Pope spoke about "diversity and welcome", addressing some words of welcome in English to the Ukrainian children, and adding that "it is important to respect each other, not to stop at differences, but to build bridges, friendship, we can all be friends, brothers, sisters". Responding to a question about war, the Pontiff explained how even as children, it is necessary "to learn to be builders of peace and friendship, not to enter into war and battle, never to promote hatred and envy". For the Pope, "Jesus calls us all to be friends" because it is important "to learn from a young age to have mutual respect, to see in the other one like me". To the Pope the children and youth brought gifts, some items made by them during the summer center and gadgets from the Boys' Summer, and drawings and artwork by Ukrainian children and youth. At the end, after photos were taken together, Pope Leo invited everyone to pray the Hail Mary together, and blessed those present.