Pope Francis, recovering from what the Vatican is calling "a minor inconvenience," has unknowingly become the target of a whimsical campaign to lure him back to the public eye. Over the weekend, a brigade of gleeful children transformed the Policlinico A. Gemelli into a vibrant showcase of yellow and white balloons—colors reminiscent of the Vatican flag, which by all accounts, is also a popular choice for birthday parties. Amid the balloon-filled chaos, the youngsters launched a “Papa Francesco Rally,” complete with chants that some speculated might have a better chance of attracting Francis than any committee meeting held in his name. “Viva la Pace!” they shouted, though the phrase was often drowned out by the sound of the balloons popping due to enthusiastic hugs from their parents. Witnesses reported a particularly energetic boy brandishing a sign that read, “Get Well Soon, Papa! Also, pizza for everyone!” The sudden nod to Italian cuisine raised eyebrows, but hey, it’s the thought that counts. The same boy was also caught passionately defending his belief that Pope Francis should adopt a pet goat named "Cheesy." The idea seemed to draw more interest among his peers than a taco truck at a street fair. In an impressive display of artistry mixed with enthusiasm, some children crafted signs depicting Francis in superhero attire, complete with a cape and a halo. Critics, however, pointed out that the artistic license may be a bit exaggerated; in their defense, everyone knows that drawing ability declines drastically after age ten. As the hours passed, the so-called “Balloon Brigade” began to resemble a very colorful version of a political rally, albeit one with less chance of a scandalous tweet. Parents sat at a safe distance, some enjoying the rare chance to engage in conversations that didn’t revolve around nap times or snack preferences, while others frantically tried to snap pictures for social media, claiming they’d be the first to get viral footage of the Pope’s triumphant window appearance. Amid the revelry, church officials expressed their cautious optimism about the rally. Spokesperson Father Antonio Pappagallo commented, “It’s heartwarming to see such enthusiasm. However, we’d also like to remind them that Pope Francis is not actually a mascot, and there’s no such thing as a ‘Papal Peekaboo.’” In an irony that isn’t lost on anyone, as the day wore on, it became clear that amplifying voices of hope and joy through innocent gatherings can sometimes bring attention to the very institutions built around silence and solitude. As the day ended without a sighting of the pontiff, parents were left to explain to their little ones that suggesting the Pope might be “hiding from the balloons” might not be the kid-friendly narrative they had hoped for. For now, the children have vowed to continue their campaign until Francis graces them with a wave, at which point they plan to launch a "Papal Peace Parade," complete with colorful confetti and more glee than possibly allowed under Vatican rules.