Pope reflects on God’s patience, appears at Hospital window, and Calls for peace Amid global conflicts

Pope Francis made his first public appearance since being hospitalized, briefly greeting the faithful from the window of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on March 23, Sunday. 

Though he did not deliver his Sunday message aloud, the Pope smiled, waved warmly, and offered a blessing to the crowd gathered below—many of whom had been waiting in prayer and hope.

In a touching moment, the Holy Father acknowledged a woman holding a single white rose, greeting her and others with visible affection and gratitude. His brief appearance, full of simple gestures of connection, was a sign of recovery and comfort to many.

While the pope remained silent during the appearance, his Sunday message was made available through a Vatican press release. In it, he offered a heartfelt reflection on God’s enduring patience, drawing from the parable of the barren fig tree (Luke 13:9).

 “The patient farmer is the Lord, who works the soil of our lives with care and waits confidently for our return to Him,” the Pope wrote, urging the faithful to embrace Lent as a time of conversion and spiritual renewal.

Pope Francis also shared how his current period of hospitalization has deepened his awareness of the Lord’s patience.

“In this long period of my hospitalization, I have had the opportunity to experience the Lord’s patience,” he wrote, highlighting the tireless dedication of doctors and healthcare workers, as well as the loving presence of family members supporting the sick. “This trusting patience, anchored in God’s unfailing love, is indeed necessary in our lives, especially when facing the most difficult and painful situations.”

The pope then addressed global conflicts with both sorrow and hope. He expressed deep sadness over the resumed Israeli bombings in the Gaza Strip, which have led to numerous casualties. 

“I call for an immediate halt to the weapons,” he urged, calling on all sides to return to dialogue, release hostages, and pursue a lasting ceasefire. He emphasized the dire humanitarian situation, which “requires urgent commitment from the conflicting parties and the international community.”

At the same time, Pope Francis welcomed signs of peace in the South Caucasus. He noted the progress between Armenia and Azerbaijan, who have reportedly finalized a peace agreement.

 “I hope that it may be signed as soon as possible and may thus contribute to establishing lasting peace in the region,” he added.

The pope offered thanks for the ongoing prayers from the faithful throughout his illness. 

“You are continuing to pray for me with great patience and perseverance: thank you very much! I pray for you too,” he wrote, before inviting all to unite in prayer for peace—especially in Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

He concluded his message by entrusting the faithful to the Blessed Virgin Mary, praying that she accompany the Church on its journey toward Easter.