This child is called Juan Pablo, or John Paul, just like Karol Wojtyla. He is two and a half and is the pride and joy of this family from Barcelona, Spain.
He has Down syndrome and lived in an orphanage until his new parents, Pili and Toni adopted him. It was just a few weeks ago when they received the official confirmation of his adoption. To celebrate, they traveled to Rome. When the Pope saw him, the small child was lifted to his Popemobile.
PILI AND TONI
'For us it was like the end of the adoption process, with the sanctification by the Holy Father of the adoption of our child. We have celebrated here and it has been a very special day.â?
'We asked the rest of our children, who are 16, 14 and 12, and it only took them two minutes to say yes. We told them they should not think like he has Down syndrome, that did not matter and nothing was wrong. They will have to be responsible when we will be old. They said yes, they totally agree. And they are all very happy now.â?
This family did not come to Rome alone. They were accompanied by their friends Felipe and Cynthia, as well as their four-year-old son, Bruno. They knew the story of Juan Pablo and suggested to their friends to adopt him.
FELIPE AND CYNTHIA
'When we suggested it, they immediately responded and said, 'Well, we're going to think, meditate...' and, yes, they were cheerful and the truth is that it is a fantastic experience.'
'They are endearing children and they become the protagonists and the kings of all families. Ours, you see, doesn't stop. He is filled with pure joy and pure goodness.'
And so look how Juan Pablo and Bruno love each other. Their joy has infected the two families, and they will carry back to Spain the lasting memory of the Pope blessing their two dearest children.
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