Right after Mass, Pope Leo XIV visits Catholic hospital in Cameroon

 

Pope Leo makes private visit to St. Paul Catholic Hospital in Douala  (@Vatican Media)

Pope

• Cameroon
• apostolic journey
• Pope Leo XIV
• the sick

Pope Leo visits St. Paul Catholic Hospital in Cameroon

Pope Leo XIV makes a private visit to St. Paul Catholic Hospital in Douala, visiting and praying with patients, families, and hospital staff.

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

As foreseen in the program for the Pope's Apostolic Journey, at the end of the Holy Mass in Douala, Pope Leo XIV made a private visit to the Saint Paul Catholic Hospital.

After a moment of reflection in the hospital chapel, the Pope exchanged brief greetings with staff and some patients in the courtyard.

At that time, the Holy Father expressed his hope that the visit could be a sign of consolation in their lives and imparted his blessing on everyone present and their loved ones.

After reciting the Our Father, Pope Leo also visited patients in their rooms, particularly children and the elderly.

Pope Leo makes private visit to St. Paul Catholic Hospital in Douala (@Vatican Media)

At the end of the visit, Pope Leo left for the airport to return to Yaoundé where later this afternoon he will meet with university students and professors at the Catholic University of Central Africa.

On Saturday, Pope Leo will celebrate Mass at the Yaoundé-Ville Airport, before departing for Angola, the third leg of his Apostolic Journey.

Pope Leo makes private visit to St. Paul Catholic Hospital in Douala (@Vatican Media)

Pope Francis makes unexpected appearance at Mass for Jubilee of Sick

 

Pope Francis greets the pilgrims gathered in St Peter's Square for the Mass  (VATICAN MEDIA Divisione Foto)

Pope

• Pope Francis
• the sick
• jubilee
• medicine & health
• Mgr. Rino Fisichella

Pope: 'The sickbed can become a holy place'

In his homily for the Jubilee of the Sick and Healthcare Workers, Pope Francis says that "The sickbed can become a holy place, where charity burns away indifference and gratitude nourishes hope.”

By Francesca Merlo

In his homily for the Jubilee of the Sick and Healthcare Workers, taking place on the 5th and 6th of April, Pope Francis drew inspiration from the prophet Isaiah.

In his sermon, which was read aloud by Archbishop Rino Fisichella,  Pope Francis invited the faithful to contemplate the situation of the Israelites in exile: “it seemed that all was lost”, the Pope said. However, he continued, it was precisely in their moment of trial that a new nation was bring born. 

Pope Francis compared this experience to the woman in the day's Gospel reading, who had been condemned and ostracised for her sins. Her accusers, ready to cast the first stone, were halted by the quiet authority of Jesus who told her “Go your way. You are free. You are saved”.

In comparing the stories, Pope Francis says that God does not wait for our lives to be perfect before he intervenes in them. Rather, said the Pope, “He enters into our wounds. He knocks at our door, not despite our suffering, but because of it”.

Illness and care

Turning then to those who are ill and to all those who assist them, the Pope acknowledged the deep suffering that illnesses can bring. “It can make us feel like the people in exile… or like the woman in the Gospel,” he said. But, he continued, it can also be a place of encounter, a “school” in which we learn to love and be loved with humility and grace.

Pope Francis then reflected on his own illness, and consequent dependence on others, describing it not as a burden but as a lesson in trust, gratitude and hope. “Let us not push back”, he said, adding: “Let us allow ourselves to be loved”.

Pope Francis then turned to the healthcare professionals, thanking them for their work and encouraging them to receive every patient as an opportunity to renew their sense of humanity.  “The sickbed can become a holy place,” he said, “where charity burns away indifference and gratitude nourishes hope.”

Call to compassion

Bringing his address to a close, Pope Francis recalled the words of his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI, who reminded the Church that “the true measure of humanity is determined in relation to suffering”. A society that turns its back on the weak, he warned, becomes cruel and inhuman.

Finally, Pope Francis urged all those present to resist the temptation to marginalise and forget those who are elderly, ill, or weighed down by the hardships of life. “Let us not banish suffering from our surroundings,” he said. “Let us not exclude those who are frail.” Instead, we must allow God’s love - poured into our hearts - to transform even suffering into a space of communion and growth.

The next Jubilee 2025 event at the Vatican is the Jubilee of the Sick

 

Pilgrims walk with a wooden cross to pass through the Holy Door in St. Peter's Basilica  (AFP or licensors)

Vatican

• jubilee
• the sick
• #JUBILEE2025

Jubilee of the Sick marks the 7th in the list of Holy Year events

Patients, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, healthcare personnel, and technicians from 90 countries will participate in the events held in Rome and Vatican City.

By Vatican News

The 7th Jubilee event, dedicated to the sick and to the world of healthcare, will take place in Rome on April 5-6. Some 20,000 people from over 90 countries, including patients, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, healthcare personnel, and technicians, will flock to the Eternal City to participate. 

Pilgrimage to the Holy Door

On Saturday, April 5, the two-day event will begin with the opportunity for a pilgrimage to the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica. In the afternoon, a series of cultural, spiritual, and artistic offerings called “Dialogues with the City” will take place in the squares of Rome, organized by associations, organizations, and movements. 

Events of hope, giving, and care

In the afternoon, in Piazza di Spagna, a meeting titled “The Value of Giving and Solidarity,” organized by the Ministry of Health, will feature speeches by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the Italian Minister of Health, the Mayor of Rome, and other civil authorities.

Later that day, the jubilee events are scheduled to continue with a conference titled “Hospice = Hope” on the topic of palliative care, hosted by the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross and organized by the Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome.

The American Heart Association is to offer practical support by leading a session to teach CPR techniques in English, Spanish, French, Polish, and German. 

The Fratres association, in collaboration with the National Office for Health Pastoral Care of the Central European Initiative, will raise awareness about a blood drive taking place in Piazza San Giovanni in the evening.

From a medical case to a cause for canonization

At the Church of Santa Monica, a conference on Blessed Benedetta Bianchi Porro, a medical student who passed away from a rare disease, will be held. Her sister, Emanuela, and her biographer and postulator, Fr. Andrea Vena, will speak.

There will also be moments of prayer for the sick, with Eucharistic Adoration and catecheses led by religious congregations whose charism is care. Other appointments include a moment of prayer titled "Following the Footsteps of Blessed Luigi Novarese. Finding Blessing When Life is Marked by Fragility," held at the Church of St. Mary of the Suffrage.

The second and final day of the Jubilee for the Sick and the World of Healthcare will feature a Mass in St. Peter’s Square presided over by Archbishop Fisichella, who will read the homily written by Pope Francis for the occasion.

Pope Francis explains his special intention for the month of July

 

POPE

• POPE FRANCIS
• PRAYER
• THE SICK
• SACRAMENTS
• PASTORAL
• ELDERLY

Pope’s July prayer intention: For pastoral care of the sick

Pope Francis releases his prayer intention for the month of July, and invites Christians to pray that the Church might show God’s closeness to people enduring illness.

By Devin Watkins

“Let us pray that the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick grant the Lord’s strength to those who receive it and to their loved ones, and that it may become for everyone an ever more visible sign of compassion and hope.”

Pope Francis offered that invitation to Christians around the world in The Pope Video, which accompanies his monthly prayer intention.

The Pope is inviting the Church to pray for the pastoral care of the sick during the month of July 2024.

In the video, he recalled that the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is not only for people at death’s doorstep.

If someone thinks that a priest offering the sacrament means that they are about to die, said the Pope, they have embraced a hopeless vision.

“Let us remember that the Anointing of the Sick is one of the ‘sacraments of healing,’ of ‘restoration,’ that heals the spirit,” said the Pope.

He added that the sacrament is always available for people who are ill, especially the elderly.

“When a person is very ill,” he said, “it’s advisable to give them the Anointing of the Sick.”

Pope Francis concluded by praying that the sacrament may become a more visible sign of compassion and hope.

Consolation in times of illness

A press release accompanying The Pope Video, which is produced by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, said the video was filmed with help from the US dioceses of Allentown and Los Angeles.

It offers a visual aid to situations in which the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick may be administered.

Two stories of illness—very different in terms of age and clinical situation—are woven together to highlight how God’s love for us is expressed in the sacrament.

Fr. Frédéric Fornos, SJ, International Director of the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network, said the Pope invites Catholics to reconsider our preconceptions about the sacrament.

“Pope Francis hopes we can rediscover the complete depth and the true meaning of this Sacrament,” he said, “not only as a preparation for death, but also as a sacrament that offers consolation to the sick in times of serious illness, and strength to their loved ones and those caring for them.”

Pope Francis: we must take care of the sick

 

Pope Francis meets members of the Religious Association of Social and Health Institutes (ARIS) in the Vatican   (VATICAN MEDIA Divisione Foto)

POPE

• MEDICINE & HEALTH
• POPE FRANCIS
• CHURCH

'No one must feel alone in illness,' insists Pope

Pope Francis welcomes members of the Italian Religious Association of Social and Health Institutes (ARIS), praising the Church's exemplary witness in taking care of the ill, and insists that 'No one must feel alone in illness.'

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

'No one must feel alone in illness,' insisted Pope Francis as he addressed members of the Italian Religious Association of Social and Health Institutes (ARIS) in the Vatican on Thursday morning.

Expressing his appreciation and encouragement, the Pope observed that ARIS is involved in the management of healthcare facilities of Christian inspiration, and could be compared to the inn of the Good Samaritan, where the sick can receive "the oil of consolation and the wine of hope."

Church's exemplary witness 

The Pope recalled that religious healthcare in Italy has a beautiful and centuries-old history.

"The Church has done much, through healthcare, to listen to and pay attention to the poor, weak and abandoned segments of society. There has been no lack of authoritative witnesses in this sphere, who have known how to recognise and serve the sick and suffering Christ to the point of the complete gift of self, even at the sacrifice of one's life."

In healthcare, the Pope warned against the culture of discarding. "When the sick person is not placed at the centre and considered in his or her dignity, attitudes are generated that can even lead to speculation on the misfortunes of others, and this must make us vigilant."

As the Church, the Holy Father urged, "we are called to respond above all to the demand for the health of the poorest, the excluded and those who, for economic or cultural reasons, see their needs ignored."

Duty to defend the right to care

He lamented that in Italy, he sees, a return of 'health poverty,' especially in the regions marked by more difficult socio-economic situations.

"There are people who, because of a lack of means, are unable to seek treatment, for whom even the payment of a co-payment is a problem; and there are people who have difficulty in accessing health services because of very long waiting lists, even for urgent and necessary visits."

The need for intermediate care, he added, is also growing, "given the increasing tendency of hospitals to discharge the sick in a short time, favouring the treatment of the more acute phases of the illness over that of chronic pathologies." 

Integral care

"Health care of Christian inspiration has a duty to defend the right to care, especially of the weaker sections of society, privileging the places where people are most suffering and least cared for."

The Pope encouraged healthcare workers always to accompany the people they welcome into their institutions with integral care, which does not neglect the spiritual and religious assistance of the sick, their families and health workers.

In this, too, he said, healthcare institutions of Christian inspiration "should be exemplary." "It is not just a matter of offering sacramental pastoral care, but of giving complete attention to the person."

Never alone in illness

"No one must feel alone in illness!" he said. "On the contrary, each person should be supported in his or her questions of meaning and helped to walk the sometimes long and tiring road of infirmity with Christian hope."

Pope Francis concluded, telling them to "keep alive the charism of your Founders, not so much to imitate their gestures, but rather to welcome their spirit, not so much to defend the past, but to build a present and a future in which to announce, with your presence, God's closeness to the sick, especially the most disadvantaged and marginalised by the logic of profit."

The Holy Father prayed that the Blessed Mother accompany them, as he offered them his blessing, and asked them to pray for him.

Pope Francis to doctors: don't be discouraged as you serve Jesus by serving the sick

 

Pope receives a delegation of physicians, and the sick, on the occasion of the World Day of the Sick  (Vatican Media)

POPE

• POPE FRANCIS
• WORLD DAY
• THE SICK
• MEDICINE & HEALTH
• AUDIENCES

Pope to Doctors: Don't be discouraged

Pope Francis encourages those providing healthcare ministry for the Diocese of Rome to never be discouraged, to continue serving Jesus present in the faces of all they assist, and tells the sick, that the Lord is always close to the fragile.

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Meeting physicians and the sick ahead of the upcoming World Day of the Sick, Pope Francis told the doctors to never be discouraged, for it is the face of Jesus, in those they serve, and that the Lord is closest to those in fragility.

The Holy Father offered these comforting reminders as he addressed representatives of the medical area of the Health Pastoral Office of the Diocese of Rome on Thursday in the Vatican.

The annual World Day is marked on 11 February, it was introduced by Pope St. John Paul II as a way for believers to offer prayers for those suffering from illnesses.

Thanking all those committed to healthcare ministry, the Pope recalled the meeting takes place in the context of the World Day of the Sick, which this year, in the context of the synodal journey, has as its theme the Gospel motto 'Take care of him' from the Gospel according to St. Luke.

The Good Samaritan

Pope Francis noted that these are the words the Good Samaritan uses when addressing the innkeeper, to whom he entrusts the wounded man, he has rescued. The Pope invited those before him to recall this scene.

He pointed out that the work of those before him, likewise, was born thanks to this dynamic, namely being able "to transform the experience of suffering into closeness to the pain of others, overcoming the temptation to close oneself off, raising one's head, bending one's knees and stretching out one's hands."

Three attitudes

The Pope went on to emphasise three important attitudes of this journey: firstly, becoming close to those who suffer; secondly, giving voice to unheard suffering; thirdly, becoming an engaging leaven of charity.

“Let us remember first of all how important it is to get close to those who suffer, offering listening, love and acceptance. But in order to do this, we must learn to see, in our brother's pain, a "signal of precedence", which deep in our heart forces us to stop and does not allow us to go any further.”

This is a sensitivity, he said, that increases the more we allow ourselves to be involved in the encounter with those who suffer.

"Walking together like this," he underscored, "helps us all to grasp the truest meaning of life, which is love."

The Pope stressed the need to "give voice to the unheard suffering" of those who, in their illness, are left alone, "lacking economic and moral support, easily exposed to despair and loss of faith, as can happen to those suffering from fibromyalgia and chronic pain."

Making heard the cry of the suffering

The Pope said this involves challenging our cities, "sometimes deserted of humanity" and "deaf" to compassion.

"Let us take the cry of those who suffer and make it heard," he said.

Turning to the third attitude, the Pope said that to become a ferment of charity also means 'networking.'

This can be done, he explained, "simply by sharing a style of gratuitousness and reciprocity because everyone is in need and everyone can give and receive something, even just a smile."

Don't be discouraged

Setting an example by taking the initiative, the Pope said, also helps others to find the courage to get involved, witnessed by their presence, "all united in a common commitment for the good of people."

When everyone works together as members of one body, Pope Francis said, "the suffering of one becomes the suffering of all, and the contribution of each is welcomed by all, as a blessing."

“Being close to those in pain is not easy, you know that well. That is why I say to you: do not be discouraged!”

"And if you encounter obstacles or misunderstandings," the Pope urged, look into the eyes of your suffering brother or sister and remember the words of the Good Samaritan: 'Take care of him.'"

Jesus Himself looks at you

"In that face, it is Jesus himself who looks at you, He who was willing to share our weakness to the point of dying for us and who, risen, never abandons us! It is in Him that we find the strength not to give up, even in the most difficult moments."

The Pope's last words were for the "sick brothers and sisters" present, telling them that it is in their suffering lived with faith that brought them together to share this important moment.

“In fragility, you are close to the heart of God.”

The Pope urged those present to always "understand," "caress" and "comfort frailties."

Pope Francis went on to specifically request the prayers of the sick people before him, in order that "closeness to those who suffer, and a concrete commitment to charity, may grow among us, and that no cry of pain may go unheard."

The Holy Father concluded by blessing all those before him, along with their pastoral commitment.

Pope Francis calls for prayers for Benedict XVI who is "very ill"

 

File photo of Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI  (Vatican Media)

POPE

• POPE FRANCIS
• POPE BENEDICT XVI
• PRAYER
• GENERAL AUDIENCE

Pope Francis asks for prayers for Benedict XVI

At the end of the General Audience, Pope Francis asks for “special prayers” for Benedict XVI “who is very ill.” The Holy See Press Office director confirms there has been an aggravation in his health condition but says the situation remains stable.

By Linda Bordoni

Concluding the General Audience on Wednesday, Pope Francis invited the faithful to say a "special prayer" for his 95-year-old predecessor, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

“I would like to ask you all for a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict, who in silence is supporting the Church. Remember him - he is very ill - asking the Lord to console him, and sustain him in this witness of love for the Church, until the end.”

Advanced age

Answering questions put to him by journalists, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, confirmed, "In the last few hours there has been an aggravation of his health due to advancing age.”

He added that the situation “at the moment remains under control,” and that the Pope Emeritus is constantly monitored by doctors.

Mr. Bruni also said that after the General Audience in the Paul VI Hall, Pope Francis went to the Mater Ecclesiae monastery in the Vatican where Benedict XVI resides.

“We join him in prayer for the Pope Emeritus,” Mr. Bruni said.

USCCB to consider a new prayer book for lay ministers who visit the sick

 

A new book of prayers for laypeople ministering to the sick could be on its way

By Jonah McKeown

St. Louis, Mo., Nov 13, 2022 / 10:00 am

The bishops of the United States are set to vote this week to create a new book of prayers for the comfort and healing of the sick specifically designed for laypeople to use. 

Father Andrew Menke, executive director of the U.S. bishops’ Secretariat of Divine Worship, told CNA that he hopes the potential new prayer book will be helpful for laypeople who want to minister to the sick, especially when a priest is unavailable. 

Only priests are allowed to perform the sacrament of anointing of the sick, which can be administered whether or not the sick person is in danger of death with the hoped-for effect of physical and spiritual healing. But there are several liturgical books — including the book used for the anointing of the sick — that include material that is specifically designed to be used by laypeople when a priest isn’t available, Menke noted. 

The book that the bishops are voting to create will be a compilation of those prayers, drawn from multiple sources traditionally used in ministry to the sick, he said.

“There’s all these things that are buried in books used by priests for the most part, but which are designed for laypeople,” Menke said. “So we’ve pulled all those things out, those extracts, and put them into one book, and we’re calling it Lay Ministry to the Sick.”

Menke said many parishes with an active ministry to the sick likely produce their own pamphlet listing prayers for the sick, but this book will be more official and robust. 

“A pastor can put this book into the hands of the folks who help him in visiting the nursing homes, hospitals, and places where there isn’t a priest-chaplain every day, but there might be a layperson there,” he said. 

Archbishop Leonard Blair of Hartford, Connecticut, chair of the U.S. bishops’ committee on divine worship, will present on the English- and Spanish-language editions of “Lay Ministry to the Sick” during the U.S. bishops’ fall meeting Nov. 14–17.

Menke emphasized that, assuming the book is approved by two-thirds of the bishops, it may be a couple of years before the book makes it into the hands of lay Catholics. After the vote this week, the Vatican will need to approve it. 

This is because the prayer book is part of an ongoing project by the bishops to revise all liturgical translations for accuracy. Thus, all the source material for this book has been newly translated from Latin in the past five years or so, Menke said.

Also being put up for a vote at the USCCB fall meeting will be new English and Spanish translations, from Latin, of the entire book of “Anointing of the Sick and Their Pastoral Care,” from which priests read when performing the sacrament. The changes made to those translations are ones the faithful are unlikely to notice, as it will primarily affect priests, Menke said. 

Blair will also present updates on the canonization causes of three American women during the fall meeting.