Pope Leo XIV Makes Surprise Visit to Hospitalized Spanish Teen, Offers Comfort to Family

In a deeply moving gesture of pastoral closeness, Pope Leo XIV paid a surprise visit to Ignacio Gonzálvez, a 15-year-old Spanish pilgrim hospitalized in Rome after collapsing during the Jubilee of Youth.

The young man, who was later diagnosed with lymphoma affecting his respiratory tract, had been urgently admitted to Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital. Upon learning of his condition, the pope asked the crowd gathered at the August 2 youth vigil at Tor Vergata to unite in prayer for him.

“I would like to ask for your prayers for another friend, a young Spaniard, Ignacio Gonzálvez, who has been admitted to the Bambino Gesù Hospital. Let us pray for him, for his health,” said the pope, visibly moved.

Ignacio’s parents, Pedro Pablo and Carmen Gloria, along with siblings Pedro Pablo Jr. and Adela, rushed to Rome to be at his side. On the afternoon of August 4, Pope Leo XIV made an unannounced visit to the intensive care unit, where the family was gathered in silent prayer.

As reported by CNA, the pope entered the room quietly and joined the family in prayer, unnoticed at first. A priest accompanying the family had to gently alert them to the pope’s presence.

Ignacio’s sister Adela, 17, described the moment with emotion: “I was crying and praying when he entered Ignacio’s room. I went in crying and came out laughing. He is a simple man.”

The pope remained with them for nearly half an hour, offering words of consolation and faith, before visiting other young patients in the oncology ward. “He told us that the important thing is to do God’s will, that our true place is eternal life in heaven,” said Pedro Pablo, Ignacio’s father. “Hearing the pope come and give you such a word... it's the best thing that could have happened to us.”

Carmen Gloria, the boy’s mother, recalled the pope’s gentle words and pastoral tenderness: “He told me, ‘If Ignacio had come to Rome, then I could come to the hospital to see him.’ They were simple words, but full of affection.”

She added, “The pope’s presence meant that Jesus Christ drew close to me and said, ‘You’re not alone.’ It was the confirmation that God has not abandoned us.”

Speaking to CNA, the family shared how the pope’s visit brought light in the midst of suffering. Pedro Pablo Jr., Ignacio’s brother, said the encounter helped them embrace God’s will.

“He listened to us the whole time. He truly understood our situation and pain. His empathy brought peace to our hearts.”

Despite the uncertainty ahead, the Gonzálvez family expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and prayers they’ve received. “It’s the work of the Holy Spirit,” said Carmen Gloria. “We are a simple family. And for the pope himself to come, that is a great consolation. We know that God is with us.”