By Kielce Gussie | Vatican News | April 2025
Just over two weeks after his release from the hospital, Pope Francis has resumed his regular duties, offering a heartfelt message to pilgrims from the Italian Dioceses of Grosseto and Pitigliano-Sovana-Orbetello as they journey through the Holy Door in Rome.
The Pope expressed his hope that the pilgrimage would be a moment of spiritual renewal.
“May it renew everyone in faith, so that we may walk united, pastor and flock,” he said in his message.
Addressing the faithful, Pope Francis also offered special encouragement to the sick and elderly among the pilgrims, inviting them to draw strength from Christ’s suffering.
“Let us live this time of trial by contemplating the Lord Jesus on the cross, the source of salvation,” he said.
Acknowledging the uncertainties and challenges of the present world, Pope Francis encouraged the group to hold fast to prayer as a daily testimony of Christian hope.
“Persevere in prayer, witnessing every day the hope that makes us salt of the earth,” he urged.
The Pope concluded his message by entrusting the dioceses to the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary and their patron saints. Imparting his apostolic blessing, he added a simple yet profound request: “Pray for me.”
The Pope’s message comes as part of the Church’s continued emphasis on pilgrimage and spiritual renewal in preparation for the Jubilee Year 2025.
Source:
- Gussie, K. (2025, April). Pope encourages pilgrims from Italian dioceses to ‘persevere in prayer’. Vatican News. Retrieved from https://www.vaticannews.va/en.html
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