By Johnathan Cilia
Valletta, April 8, 2022: A Maltese baby who was able to meet and be blessed by Pope Francis has died just days later.
Baby Chayan was just five and a half months old when he died at 7:40 am April 7 after living with a heart condition.
The baby that was able to meet and be blessed by Pope Francis when the pontiff visited Malta April 2-4.
Medical professionals had told the Ciantar family that Chayan would only live for a few days. However, Chayan lived for over five months – long enough to receive the Pope’s blessing before he died.
“Our baby is now at peace. We want to thank everyone who supported us during these weeks and we ask that you continue praying for us,” Chayan’s mother Valerie Ciantar told TVM.
“It’s a miracle, and the Lord really exists,” she continued. “They told us he’d only survive a few days, but with God’s strength he was able to meet the Pope. This means a lot to me that he died with his blessing, while asleep and at peace.”
The Pope met Chayan when he travelled to St Paul’s Basilica in Rabat to meet vulnerable people. In footage of the meeting, the Pope smiles and beams at the little baby and his mother while blessing them.
Chayan’s funeral will be held April 9 at the Isla Basilica, where attendees are being asked to wear colored clothes.
“We don’t have the words to thank everyone for the love and help you’ve given us during these moments. I never thought I’d be passing through something like this in my life,” she said.
Source: https://lovinmalta.com/news/he-left-while-sleeping-and-at-peace-baby-chayan-dies-days-after-being-blessed-by-pope-francis/