In an emotional address, Pope Francis urges prayers for war-torn regions, reflects on his illness, and calls for compassion and fraternal correction.
Vatican City, March 2 – From his hospital bed, Pope Francis delivered an emotional plea for peace, calling war “absurd” and urging prayers for conflict-ridden regions around the world. His remarks, released by the Holy See Press Office, emphasized the urgent need for reconciliation and humanitarian support in places torn apart by war and suffering.
“From here, war appears even more absurd,” Pope Francis stated in his Angelus address, prepared while he remains under medical care.
Expressing gratitude for the prayers and support from the faithful, the Pope urged special prayers for Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and Kivu, regions grappling with violence, displacement, and humanitarian crises.
A Global Call for Peace
Pope Francis highlighted the suffering in each of these regions:
- Ukraine – A nation embroiled in conflict with Russia since 2014.
- Israel and Palestine – A region plagued by decades of violence and unrest.
- Lebanon – Struggling with economic turmoil and an ongoing refugee crisis.
- Myanmar – Suffering under a military crackdown since the 2021 coup.
- Sudan – Ravaged by civil war and humanitarian disaster.
- Kivu (Democratic Republic of Congo) – A region facing armed conflict and human rights abuses.
By naming these locations, Pope Francis shined a light on their struggles and emphasized the need for global solidarity in fostering peace.
Faith Amid Suffering: Pope Reflects on His Illness
The Pope also used his message to reflect on his own illness, describing it as an opportunity to trust in God and connect with the suffering of others.
“It is precisely in these moments that we learn even more to trust in the Lord. At the same time, I thank God for giving me the opportunity to share in body and spirit the condition of so many sick and suffering people,” he said.
He expressed deep appreciation for the doctors and healthcare professionals caring for him, calling their work a hidden grace within his illness.
A Lesson in Compassion and Fraternal Correction
Pope Francis also took a moment to speak on compassion, judgment, and fraternal correction, reminding the faithful to examine their own hearts before criticizing others.
“Jesus asks us to train our eyes to observe the world well and to judge our neighbor with charity. Because if it is not fraternal, it is not correction!” he emphasized.
Encouraging self-reflection, he posed a challenge to the faithful:
“How do I look at other people, who are my brothers and sisters? And how do I feel looked at by others? Do my words have a good flavor, or are they imbued with bitterness and vanity?”
“I Feel Carried by All God’s People”
Pope Francis concluded his address with gratitude, acknowledging the overwhelming support and affection from Catholics worldwide.
“I feel all your affection and closeness, and at this particular time, I feel as if I am ‘carried’ and supported by all God’s people. Thank you all!” he said.
The 86-year-old Pontiff, who has been battling lung-related health issues, was first admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14. This marks his fourth and longest hospitalization since becoming Pope in 2013, as reported by CNN.
Despite his frail health, Pope Francis continues to deliver messages of faith, hope, and global unity, reaffirming his role as a spiritual leader in a divided world.