The 11 February will be marked by the Universal Church as the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and the World Day of the sick. In his message for the 33rd World Day of the Sick, Pope Francis (pictured above during the World Meeting of Families, Dublin, 2018) calls attention to the profound challenges faced by individuals battling illness, and offers hope, faith, and divine strength in times of suffering. The annual observance inspired the Pope to reflect on how God remains close to the suffering through the themes of encounter, gift, and sharing.
Pope Francis asks, “How can we be strong when our bodies are vulnerable to severe, debilitating illnesses?” recognising the shared struggle of both the ill and their families. “In these moments, we realise our need for a strength greater than our own – God’s grace, providence, and the gift of His Spirit.”
The Holy Father reminded the faithful of the enduring power of hope, quoting Saint Paul’s letter to the Romans: “Hope does not disappoint” (Rom 5:5). He reassured those in pain that genuine hope is not simply an emotion but a steadfast force that strengthens us through even the darkest trials.
Pope Francis encouraged the faithful to recognise that God stays close to the suffering through three essential elements: encounter, gift, and sharing. He highlighted the words of Jesus to His disciples, telling them to proclaim to the sick: “The Kingdom of God has come near to you.” The Pope also emphasised that suffering offers a transformative opportunity to encounter God, a source of stability amid life’s tempests. In these moments, God’s presence becomes clear, offering the reminder that no one faces hardship alone.
The Pope also reframed suffering as a gift, explaining that it teaches us to place our hope in God’s love and providence. “It is, first and foremost, a gift to be received and nurtured,” Pope Francis said, pointing to Christ’s resurrection as the ultimate source of life and destiny.
Finally, the Pope reflected on the profound role of caregivers, family, and friends in times of illness, noting how their acts of care and compassion also enrich their own faith. “How often, by our closeness to those who suffer, do we learn to have faith!” he remarked, underscoring how these grace-filled encounters deepen understanding and connection in both love and faith.
In his closing remarks, for this years World Day of the Sick message, Pope Francis extended heartfelt gratitude to those who are suffering, acknowledging their crucial role in the upcoming Jubilee Year. He described their journey as a “hymn of dignity, a song of hope,” and thanked them for their witness to the enduring power of hope and grace. The Pope also assured the faithful of his continued prayers for the sick and their caregivers, invoking the intercession of Our Lady, Health of the Sick, and offering his blessing to all.
To read Pope Francis’ message for World Day of the Sick please click HERE
