As Christians continue their Lenten journey, Pope Francis has encouraged the faithful to embrace this sacred season as a time of healing and renewal in Jesus Christ. In his Sunday Angelus message, released by the Vatican on March 30, the Holy Father reflected on the parable of the merciful father and the two sons from St. Luke’s Gospel, urging believers to trust in God’s boundless mercy.
Pope Francis, who is currently recovering at his Casa Santa Marta residence after being discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, used his message to highlight the importance of God’s healing grace. “Jesus reveals the heart of God: He is always merciful toward all; he heals our wounds so that we can love each other as brothers,” the pontiff wrote, according to the Vatican’s official statement.
A Lenten Season of Healing
The Holy Father encouraged Christians to approach this Lent as “a time of healing,” particularly in the context of the Jubilee Year of Hope. Reflecting on his own experience of convalescence, he shared, “I too am experiencing it this way, in my soul and in my body.”
Pope Francis emphasized that suffering is a universal part of the human experience, but one that can bring believers closer to Christ. “Frailty and illness are experiences we all have in common; all the more, however, we are brothers in the salvation Christ has given us,” he wrote. By embracing suffering with faith, Christians can find strength in God’s mercy and in one another.
Gratitude for Instruments of Healing
In his message, Pope Francis also extended his gratitude to those who serve as “instruments of healing” through their prayers and compassionate actions. He recognized their vital role in reflecting “the image of the Savior” in a world that desperately needs mercy and reconciliation.
This message was released during the special Jubilee of Missionaries of Mercy, a weekend dedicated to those who embody the Church’s call to bring healing and hope to the suffering.
Prayers for Peace and Global Stability
Pope Francis also used his address to pray for peace in conflict-ridden regions, specifically mentioning Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, South Sudan, and Sudan. “Trusting in the mercy of God the Father, we continue to pray for peace,” he wrote.
The Holy Father expressed his deep concern for ongoing violence in South Sudan and Sudan, urging the global community to act. “Only in this way will it be possible to alleviate the suffering of the beloved South Sudanese people and to build a future of peace and stability,” he said. Regarding the conflict in Sudan, he made an urgent appeal: “I urge the parties concerned in the conflict to put the safeguarding of the lives of their civilian brothers and sisters first.”
Signs of Hope and Reconciliation
Amidst global turmoil, Pope Francis also pointed to positive developments. He praised the March 13 ratification of a border agreement between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan as “an excellent diplomatic achievement,” recognizing it as a step toward peaceful cooperation.
Concluding his message, the Holy Father entrusted the world’s prayers to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. “Mother of Mercy, help the human family to be reconciled in peace,” he prayed, calling on the faithful to remain steadfast in their Lenten commitments.
A Call to Live Lent with Purpose
As Lent progresses, Pope Francis’ words serve as a reminder to embrace this season with faith, allowing God’s mercy to transform hearts and bring healing to a world in need. Through prayer, acts of mercy, and a renewed commitment to peace, the faithful are called to deepen their relationship with Christ and reflect His love to others.
