Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - Pope Francis is hospitalized at the Gemelli hospital in Rome with the diagnosis of bilateral pneumonia. The medical bulletin released yesterday evening, Saturday 22 February, spoke of a "reserved prognosis" and reported the respiratory crisis the Pontiff had experienced early in the morning. Prayers have been raised to heaven from all over the world for the health of the Successor of Peter. And he, in the words of his ordinary magisterium that he continues to spread from his hospital bed, invites us to pray and implore divine mercy for all the multitudes tormented by wars and violence in all parts of the world.
In the text prepared for the Angelus and released at midday by the Holy See Press Office at the request of the Pontiff himself, the Bishop of Rome, referring to the conflict in Ukraine, defines tomorrow's date - which marks exactly three years since the beginning of that war – as "a painful and shameful occasion for the whole of humanity!". And while he renews his "closeness to the martyred Ukrainian people", the Pope invites us to "pray and remember the victims of all armed conflicts, and to pray for the gift of peace in Palestine, Israel and throughout the Middle East, Myanmar, Kivu and Sudan".
The Pontiff, in the released text, also refers to his health conditions: "I am confidently continuing my hospitalization at the Gemelli Hospital, carrying on with the necessary treatment; and rest is also part of the therapy! I sincerely thank the doctors and health workers of this hospital for the attention they are showing me and the dedication with which they carry out their service among the sick". Pope Francis also thanks those who have written to him in recent days: "I I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children. Thank you for this closeness, and for the prayers of comfort I have received from all over the world! I entrust you all to the intercession of Mary, and I ask you to pray for me".
In the text of the Angelus, Pope Francis also addressed the permanent deacons who have gathered in Rome in recent days to celebrate the Jubilee together, by crossing the Holy Door of the Vatican Basilica. “You,” wrote Pope Francis in the text prepared for the Angelus, “dedicate yourselves to the Word and to the service of charity; you carry out your ministry in the Church with words and deeds, bringing God’s love and mercy to everyone. I urge you to continue your apostolate with joy and – as today’s Gospel suggests – to be a sign of a love that embraces everyone, that transforms evil into goodness and engenders a fraternal world. Do not be afraid to risk love!”.
This morning, the deacons who had come to Rome from all over the world for their Jubilee pilgrimage took part in the Holy Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, presided over by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization (Section for Fundamental Questions of Evangelization in the World). During the liturgical celebration, 23 new permanent deacons from different countries were ordained, and Archbishop Fisichella also read the text of the homily prepared for the occasion by Pope Francis. A homily in which the Bishop of Rome, inspired by the readings of the liturgy of the day, wove his reflections starting from the experience of "gratuity", "a term certainly appreciated by you deacons, gathered here for the celebration of the Jubilee" according to the words of the Pontiff. The Bishop of Rome invited the deacons to pause "on this fundamental dimension of Christian life and of your ministry", showing how only gratuity represents the source of forgiveness, selfless service and communion that characterize every authentic diaconal vocation. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 23/2/2025)
