Have you heard (or wondered) how Pope Francis is doing, especially since he left the hospital two weeks ago? As I began writing this column on Sunday morning, April 6, I was surprised when I “Googled” Pope Francis to learn that he had made a (surprise) public appearance that same morning at the Vatican, and it was wonderful to see him looking so well. Since the beginning of his pontificate, the Holy Father has given special attention to “those on the peripheries.” It is likely that understanding the isolation that comes from a long illness, Pope Francis wanted to show his closeness to the sick by joining, even briefly, the Jubilee for the Sick and Health Care Workers. Still healing himself, the Holy Father brought joy to all present at the celebration and to all people of goodwill by his presence in Saint Peter’s Square this past Sunday. We continue to pray for the Holy Father’s ongoing recuperation.
Writing this particular column with the intent of sharing a recent message from Pope Francis, in his Angelus Message on March 30, has also caused me to reflect (again) on how things have changed in the ways that we “get our news.” Although, at this time, it may be a little “dated,” you could hear a very encouraging update on Pope Francis’ health by listening to the April 3rd episode of the “Inside the Vatican” podcast.
As I listened to the “Inside the Vatican” podcast, I was happy to hear the hosts say that Pope Francis was making good progress in his recovery. I was especially struck by their conversation about Pope Francis’ “Angelus Message” from the previous Sunday, March 30 (see link to the brief message below).
The hosts on the podcast had also discussed the ways in which Pope Francis was beginning to reflect and share the experience of his recent illness, during which, it has now been revealed, he came “close to death” on two separate occasions. When I read the text of the Angelus Message, I had a better understanding of what the hosts of the podcast were saying, especially as I read the second paragraph, as Pope Francis said:
“Dearest friends, let us live this Lent as a time of healing, all the more as it is the Jubilee. I, too, am experiencing it this way, in my soul and in my body. That is why I give heartfelt thanks to all those who, in the image of the Saviour, are instruments of healing for their neighbor with their word and their knowledge, with kindness and with prayer. Frailty and illness are experiences we all have in common; all the more, however, we are brothers in the salvation Christ has given us.”
After reflecting on his experience of “Lent as a time of healing” and giving thanks for those who care for him and all those who care for the sick, Pope Francis shows that he is closely following developments in many parts of the world, especially those impacted by war and violence. He asks that we continue to pray for peace, especially “… in martyred Ukraine, in Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Myanmar, which is also suffering so much because of the earthquake.” He then expresses particular concern for the conflict and innocent victims in South Sudan.
As I started to write this column, I was considering a few possible subjects or themes. When I realized that the Vatican had just released the text of Pope Francis’ Angelus Message for Sunday, April 6th, and saw the way in which he followed up on the two themes of reflecting on his own illness and praying for peace, I thought that I would like to be sure that readers were aware of these recent messages. I encourage you to also click on the link to the brief, but moving April 6th message below.
Again, the second paragraph of the message offers a personal reflection and an expression of solidarity with the sick and those who care for them, especially “On the day of the Jubilee of the sick…”:
“Dear friends, as during my hospitalization, even now in my convalescence, I feel the “finger of God” and experience His caring touch. On the day of the Jubilee of the sick and the world of healthcare, I ask the Lord that this touch of His love may reach those who suffer and encourage those who care for them. And I pray for doctors, nurses, and health workers, who are not always helped to work in adequate conditions and are sometimes even victims of aggression. Their mission is not easy and must be supported and respected. I hope that the necessary resources will be invested in treatment and research so that health systems are inclusive and attentive to the most fragile and the poorest…”
At the end of the message, he again requests prayers for peace and expresses concern for the troubled areas of the world, especially “… in Myanmar, hard hit by the earthquake; and in Haiti, where violence rages, and two religious sisters were killed a few days ago.”
Finally, the hosts of the “Inside the Vatican” podcast also discussed that Pope Francis was preparing a homily for Mass today on the occasion of the “Jubilee of the sick and the world of healthcare,” which would be read by Archbishop Rino Fisichella. I will conclude by sharing one more “link,” the text of Pope Francis’s homily.
For many, many years, I would “get” my news by reading the newspaper in the morning. These days, like many others, I get a significant amount of “news” on the internet — and by listening to podcasts. As you read this column on our online Beacon or by receiving The Beacon and Beyond newsletter, we can give thanks for the “good news” of Pope Francis’ improving health and be grateful that we are just “a click away” from being able to read his Angelus messages and much more.
