![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/K2HHK4CE4FHVBKRG7LVU6DXX3A.png?smart=true&auth=5b284e053b9038c762042e9b624b8d92bdb4ec97d53205293033e5fcc6f1c93e&width=400&height=225)
A young boy blessed by the Pope. Photo: Hadeer Moosa
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4YT4TPNWSO6BJY3EBTVIP2M2XM.jpg?smart=true&auth=606c9d332d7a0eac2d64d2f5aa24289952eedcf75ca92f6e28a2f5b8c949519f&width=400&height=225)
Pope Francis blesses a child as arrives to celebrate mass at at Bahrain National Stadium in Riffa, near the capital Manama, on November 5, 2022. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP)
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Ms Fayez said the Pope noticed her grandchild and stood up in the open white vehicle to bless him. EPA
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Pope Francis kisses a baby before celebrating Holy Mass at the Bahrain National Stadium on Saturday. AP
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Some toddlers cried when they found themselves taken away from their parents. Reuters
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/MBNB3DASN7KQZ7YVRBKWXJYB54.jpg?smart=true&auth=e7810f0073fd15c83579a9b1523e985516b6342bf097a347521ba8a1e0c07ada&width=400&height=225)
Parents said it was a special moment when the pontiff blessed their children. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/K2HHK4CE4FHVBKRG7LVU6DXX3A.png?smart=true&auth=5b284e053b9038c762042e9b624b8d92bdb4ec97d53205293033e5fcc6f1c93e&width=400&height=225)
A young boy blessed by the Pope. Photo: Hadeer Moosa
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4YT4TPNWSO6BJY3EBTVIP2M2XM.jpg?smart=true&auth=606c9d332d7a0eac2d64d2f5aa24289952eedcf75ca92f6e28a2f5b8c949519f&width=400&height=225)
Pope Francis blesses a child as arrives to celebrate mass at at Bahrain National Stadium in Riffa, near the capital Manama, on November 5, 2022. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP)
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/K4WCUGSLPB4QYTPMZSDST4IUNE.jpg?smart=true&auth=4218fe58ca48f18648d48a8328cc21d711b6c610730bb1356727e58a92480650&width=400&height=225)
Ms Fayez said the Pope noticed her grandchild and stood up in the open white vehicle to bless him. EPA
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/KR2AYGOQZJXEKCYDR6GPG77RZM.jpg?smart=true&auth=538bf5c2750ae199ab375489e9b3d67c9554eaef9509dba2cad4d8812f88793c&width=400&height=225)
Pope Francis kisses a baby before celebrating Holy Mass at the Bahrain National Stadium on Saturday. AP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/7N46JS2RCUTDAE7OWYCXHLTXVQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=109f2d55a39ce24fefb43a65c38c4841f17cec735b6de976a71a4faae6093390&width=400&height=225)
Some toddlers cried when they found themselves taken away from their parents. Reuters
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/MBNB3DASN7KQZ7YVRBKWXJYB54.jpg?smart=true&auth=e7810f0073fd15c83579a9b1523e985516b6342bf097a347521ba8a1e0c07ada&width=400&height=225)
Parents said it was a special moment when the pontiff blessed their children. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/K2HHK4CE4FHVBKRG7LVU6DXX3A.png?smart=true&auth=5b284e053b9038c762042e9b624b8d92bdb4ec97d53205293033e5fcc6f1c93e&width=400&height=225)
A young boy blessed by the Pope. Photo: Hadeer Moosa