The news of Pope Francis’s hospitalization caused concern around the world, and very many people showed him their closeness through prayer. There was widespread relief when it became known that the Holy Father’s condition was improving, culminating in his discharge last Saturday.
There was collective joy when he was seen again in St. Peter’s Square, filled with around 60,000 faithful, presiding over the solemn celebration of Palm Sunday, which opens Holy Week, and the Angelus.
The Pope of closeness and tenderness
In his homily on Palm Sunday, Pope Francis said: «This is God’s way: closeness, compassion and tenderness; God is like this. The abandoned Christ moves us to seek him and love him in those who are abandoned. So many people need our closeness». These words take on particular force when we think of the days he spent in hospital, during which the Holy Father once again demonstrated all his closeness and tenderness, which are the hallmark of his pontificate. On Friday, while he was still hospitalized, he visited the children in the oncology ward, giving them Rosaries, chocolate eggs and a book about the birth of Jesus. He then baptized a newborn.
The embrace for Angelica’s parents, tested by the greatest of sorrows
On Saturday, as he left the hospital, surrounded by a crowd of people applauding and greeting him and by journalists, he did not fail to offer a tender embrace to a couple who had lost their daughter the previous day due to a genetic illness. The mother said to him: «Holy Father, I can’t go on anymore. Pray for us…». The Pope listened with great emotional involvement to this couple’s grief. The woman kept repeating: «Thank you, thank you…». The Pope then embraced her and subsequently embraced her husband, who said to him: «You knew her because you came to Casal Bertone in 2019 and held her in your arms». Holding the couple’s hands, the Pope said: «Let us pray for Angelica». He blessed them and gave them Rosaries.
The Pope will preside over the celebrations of Holy Week
As soon as he was discharged, the Pope announced through his spokesperson that he will preside over the Easter rites. Matteo Bruni explained that the arrangements for the liturgies of Holy Week «remain unchanged»: the Pope will preside over the celebrations while a cardinal will officiate at the altar, including on Easter Sunday. This arrangement, moreover, has already been in place for some time.
Once again, the Holy Father demonstrates his strength and courage in carrying out his Petrine ministry. And once again, he proves to be a bright beacon for humanity.
