Pope Francis, still recovering at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, shared a heartfelt reflection on the Transfiguration of Jesus, linking the Gospel passage to his experience of suffering and the resilience of those who care for the sick.
The Holy Father, in a message prepared and released on March 17, drew parallels between Christ's radiant transformation on the mountain and the unseen love that shines in hospitals and places of care.
“Jesus immerses Himself in prayer and becomes radiant with light,” Pope Francis wrote, “showing the disciples what is hidden behind the gestures He performs in their midst: the light of His infinite love.”
Speaking from a place of personal vulnerability, the pope acknowledged the fragility of the human body, yet emphasized that illness does not hinder one’s ability to love, pray, and offer hope.
“I join with so many brothers and sisters who are sick: fragile, at this time, like me. Our bodies are weak, but even like this, nothing can prevent us from loving, praying, giving ourselves, and being for each other,” he expressed.
Pope Francis also turned his attention to the silent acts of compassion taking place in hospitals and clinics, recognizing the dedication of caregivers who, he said, reflect “a ray of [God’s] love.”
He invited the faithful to join him in praising the Lord for His constant presence, especially in times of sorrow.
The pope expressed deep gratitude for the prayers of the faithful, particularly the children who gathered outside the hospital in a show of solidarity.
“Thank you, dearest children! The pope loves you and is always waiting to meet you,” he wrote.
In his message, Francis renewed his call for prayers for peace in war-torn regions, including Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“Let us continue to pray for peace, especially in the countries wounded by war,” he urged.
He also encouraged the Church to remain faithful in implementing the discernment made during the recent Synodal Assembly.
He thanked the General Secretariat of the Synod, which will accompany local churches in translating the outcomes into concrete action over the next three years.
The pope concluded his message with an appeal for intercession from the Virgin Mary, asking that she help the faithful become “bearers of Christ’s light and peace.”
While his health remains a concern, Pope Francis’ message reflects his enduring commitment to the mission of the Church, offering hope and encouragement even from his hospital room.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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