Pope Francis, to the sick: let’s live this trial time contemplating the Lord Jesus on the cross

Pope Francis, 88, who continues his convalescence in Santa Marta after spending five weeks hospitalized with bilateral pneumonia, addressed a message to the faithful of the Italian diocese of Grosseto and Pitigliano-Sovana-Foretello, who are in Rome on the occasion of the Jubilee de la Esperanza 2025.

Going especially to the sick, he asked that, how he does, live “this trial period contemplating the Lord Jesus on the cross.”

“I direct my thinking to those among you who are sick and elderly: let’s live this trial time contemplating the Lord Jesus on the cross, source of consolation and salvation,” Pope Francis said in the message, who this Sunday appeared by surprise in public and was seen much better than two weeks ago, when he received the discharge of the Gemelli.

In fact, the Pontiff even dedicated himself to greeting all those who crossed their way and shook the hands of some pilgrims with which he also exchanged some words.

In the message to the Italian pilgrims, who have traveled to the Italian capital accompanied by their new bishop, Mons. Bernardino Giordano, Pope Francis invited them to live this jubilee experience intensely. “That the passage through the Holy Gate renews everyone in the faith, so that we walk together, shepherd and flock,” wrote the pontiff.

Faced with the challenges of today’s world, Pope Francis urged the faithful to “persevere in prayer, giving daily testimony of that hope that makes us salt of the earth.”

Pope Francis concluded his message entrusting the pilgrims to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, imparting his blessing with all his heart. “Please, don’t forget to pray for me,” he finally asked.

The prescription of the doctors is that the Pontiff does not resume even within at least six weeks the audiences with large groups of faithful. At the moment, the Vatican has not clarified how his participation in the liturgical ceremonies of Holy Week will be.