Pope Francis inspires Deacons: Serve with humility, build bridges of communion

During the Holy Mass for the Jubilee of Deacons, Archbishop Rino Fisichella read Pope Francis’s homily, urging deacons to be apostles of forgiveness, selfless servants, and builders of communion on February 23.

The Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Fisichella as Pope Francis continues treatment for double pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. 

The pope’s reflection focused on the theme of gratuity, essential to the diaconate and the Christian faith. 

Highlighting forgiveness, he called on deacons to love their enemies and rebuild relationships, stressing that “a world that feels nothing but hatred towards its adversaries is a world without hope and without a future.” 

Emphasizing selfless service, Pope Francis encouraged deacons to serve joyfully and humbly, reminding them that “charity will be your most beautiful liturgy and the liturgy your humblest service.” 

He also spoke on the importance of communion, urging deacons to foster inclusivity and unity, especially by embracing the poor, whom he called “the treasures of the Church.” 

To those preparing for priesthood, the Pope advised viewing ordination not as a promotion but as a call to humility and deeper service. 

Pope Francis concluded by entrusting all deacons to the Virgin Mary and Saint Lawrence, encouraging them to be true apostles of forgiveness, selfless servants, and builders of communion. 

The faithful were invited to pray fervently for Pope Francis’s recovery, with Archbishop Fisichella emphasizing, “Let’s make our prayer even stronger and more fervent so that the Lord may assist Pope Francis in this time of trial and illness.”