Just days before the passing of Pope Francis, a moving story circulated widely across Italian media and social networks. It wasn’t about Vatican reforms, political debates, or major ceremonies, but about a simple and innocent question posed by a child: “Who created God?”
The story began in the quiet town of Flero, Italy, where a 7-year-old girl attended a religion class discussing God and creation. While listening, she was struck by a thought that many adults have also pondered: if God created everything, then who created God?
Though the question appeared simple, its depth touched upon centuries of theological and philosophical reflection.
A child’s question that carried timeless weight
Children often ask what adults hesitate to voice. For the young girl from Flero, the curiosity would not go away. She sought answers from her teachers and her parents, but none of the explanations truly satisfied her.
Instead of dropping the matter, she made a bold choice: she decided to write directly to Pope Francis.
In her letter, accompanied by a small drawing and written with genuine innocence, she asked the Pope her profound question. At the end, she added a touching note: “If you don’t have time to answer me, it’s okay.”
A letter that reached the Vatican
The letter eventually found its way to the Vatican. For Pope Francis—who was known for his emphasis on humility, compassion, and listening to children—such a question would not go unnoticed.
Weeks later, a response arrived at the girl’s home. Though it was not signed personally by the Pope, the message came through one of his closest collaborators, Monsignor Roberto Campisi. The letter read:
“The Holy Father has received your beautiful note. Pope Francis, who thanks you for your gesture of love, wishes to let you know that he is praying for you, so that you may grow with a sincere desire to know and love Jesus.”
More than a philosophical answer
Instead of addressing the question with abstract theology or complex reasoning about the eternal nature of God, the Pope’s reply conveyed something deeper: that curiosity itself is sacred, and that faith is not built on quick answers, but on love and the search for truth.
In choosing to respond this way, Pope Francis offered not only comfort to a child but also wisdom for adults. Faith, he suggested, is less about solving every mystery and more about embarking on a journey of discovery, guided by compassion and openness.
The lasting meaning behind a small story
This episode became a symbol of Pope Francis’ human and pastoral approach. He was not just the leader of the Catholic Church but also a spiritual father who knew how to listen and respond gently to those seeking hope.
The little girl’s question did not receive a definitive scientific or logical answer. Yet, in a way, it received something far more important: an invitation to keep asking, to keep seeking, and to understand that faith is not about closing doors but about opening paths.
Conclusion
The story of the 7-year-old girl from Flero and Pope Francis’ heartfelt response is a reminder that the most profound truths are often revealed through childlike questions. Her letter did not just spark a personal reply—it left behind a universal message: curiosity is a gift, and the path to faith always begins with love and the pursuit of truth.