The Pope visited the Federico Gomez Pediatric Hospital in Mexico City Feb. 14.
There, he recounted to the children the biblical story of the Presentation. When Joseph and Mary took Jesus to the temple, they presented him to Simeon who was "very moved and filled with joy and gratitude."
"He took Jesus in his arms and held him close, and began to bless the Lord. Looking at Jesus inspired him in two ways: the feeling of gratitude and the desire to bless," the Pope explained.
He described Simeon as "the uncle" who teaches the attitudes of gratitude and blessing.
"For my part (and not only because of my age), I feel I can relate well with these two lessons of Simeon," he said.
"On the one hand, entering here and seeing your eyes, your smiles, your faces, has filled me with a desire to give thanks. Thank you for the kind way that you welcomed me, thank you for recognizing the tenderness with which you are cared for and accompanied," he said. "Thank you for the efforts of many who are doing their best so that you can get better quickly."