26/05/2025 – A Message of Hope Sent to the Pope Leon XIV

On Monday, May 26, our association “Dessine-moi un sourire” took an important and symbolic step: we sent a heartfelt letter to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, to present our mission and share a project that is particularly close to our hearts.

In this letter, written with humility and conviction, we explained that our association is dedicated to supporting, protecting, and accompanying children who are victims of abuse and sexual violence, particularly within the European Union. We also introduced a therapeutic initiative that is both gentle and grounded in scientific research: the creation of an ocean therapy center.

This project is based on a solid body of scientific studies. Over the past years, numerous researchers have demonstrated that being in contact with dolphins in their natural habitat can significantly support psychological recovery, especially for individuals who have experienced severe trauma, such as childhood abuse.

Far removed from captivity or forced interaction, the ocean therapy we envision is centered on observing and gently encountering wild dolphins in their natural environment. These spontaneous and respectful interactions at sea offer children a rare experience of wonder, safety, and emotional connection. They have been shown to:

• Reduce stress and anxiety symptoms,
• Encourage the rebuilding of trust,
• Strengthen self-esteem and the sense of self-worth,
• And contribute to healing the relationship with nature, with others, and with oneself.

These ocean therapy stays do not replace traditional psychological care, but they meaningfully complement it, helping children reconnect with positive emotions often buried or inaccessible due to the trauma they have endured.

To make this project a reality, we have identified several coastal regions in Europe where resident dolphin populations are present year-round, and where natural conditions are ideal for this kind of therapeutic stay. In some of these regions, the Holy See owns real estate properties. That is why, with great hope, we asked His Holiness whether one of these buildings could be graciously made available to our association, to welcome children and their caregivers in a setting that is safe, peaceful, and healing.

This letter is more than a request. It is a heartfelt appeal, a message of trust addressed to a moral and spiritual authority that, we believe, can play a concrete and decisive role in healing the wounds of childhood.

We sincerely hope that this message will touch His Holiness and open the path to a meaningful collaboration in service of the most vulnerable.

We will, of course, keep you informed of the next steps in this important initiative.
Thank you to all those who support us in this mission of justice, care, and life.

The team at “Dessine-moi un sourire” – NPO

Photo OSV News / Claudia Greco, Reuters