Grab a tissue and ready to cry as a fearful young kid asks the Pope, “Is my Dad in Heaven?” and the Pope replies with such relief, comfort, and grace. Pope Francis paid a visit to Rome’s St. Paul Parish. The Pope usually expects to speak God’s wisdom and to meet with those who need guidance, consolation, and inspiration.

I’m sure he wasn’t expecting a youngster to inquire about his father’s whereabouts. A courageous and inquisitive young kid had a burning question within his damaged heart. Emanuele approached the microphone. But as he glanced around, stage terror overwhelmed him. The Pope then encouraged Emanuele to ask his inquiry in his ear. Emanuele approached the Pope with trepidation and collapsed into his arms.

As though he needed a loving hug from his heavenly father, he uttered the query he sorely needed answered. “Is my father in Heaven?” The minutes between the two appeared to last an eternity as they exchanged whispers until Emanuele walked away with tears in his eyes. The Pope then addressed the Parish. “If only we could all weep like Emanuele when we feel an aching in our hearts as he does,” he remarked.

“After addressing the children at the Parish, the Pope went on to answer Emanuele’s question.” “Is my Dad in Heaven?” Emanuele had inquired. The Pope said in the video that Emanuele’s father got himself and his siblings baptized, although his father was not a Christian. The audience became silent and leaned forward to hear the Pope’s response.

“God never abandons his children… This must have delighted God much.” He went on to explain that God was happy of Emanuele’s father for raising his children in the church and having them baptized in the name of Christ. The Pope went on to inform this wonderful youngster that he may communicate with his father. What a lovely approach to console a bereaved youngster and teach him that God does not desert us in our hour of need.