Students at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy in Lakeview started off their school day writing get-well cards for Pope Leo, following is lung cancer diagnosis.
Students said they want the Pope to "feel appreciated and that we're with him" and to know "that he's cared for and not forgettable."
The roughly 40 students are part of a school club called "Team 14" named in honor of Pope Leo. Students even went to the Vatican last year after going viral for holding a mock conclave in their classroom.
Eighth grader Lucas Knudsen said this made the news about the Pope's health hit even closer to home.
"I was a little bit nervous for Pope Leo because I've met him and he has a big role," he said. "I want to make sure that he knows that we all love him and we want him to feel good."
Carolina Garibay
Sixth grader Ines Martins said it feels good to do something nice for others.
"It feels really nice to wish him well because he's like a close friend and I was really sad when I heard he was sick," she said. "I just want him to know we're praying for him and we want him to get better."
The Vatican said the Pope was diagnosed with the most common type of lung cancer, known as lung adenocarcinoma. The lower lobe of the Pontiff's right lung has been removed.
Along with cards for the Pope, students also created a White Sox blanket for him to stay cozy while he recovers.
Carolina Garibay
The students' teacher Allison Foerster said it touched her to see the students wanting to do something for the Pope.
"It felt very heavy to them because they do feel that they have a very close connection ton him, but the opportunity to do something and put a little power behind their prayer is something that matters a lot to kids," she said.
Foerster said she hopes it was able to bring some comfort to the students.
"I also hope that overall they feel that they have an avenue and an outlet to not just be people of faith but be people of faith that do good for others," she said.
