Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin celebrated a special Mass for the health of Pope Francis, praying that he may “recover and return to us soon.” The Mass was attended by the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See.
In his homily, Cardinal Parolin reflected on the importance of prayer and listening to God’s word. He emphasized that the best way to present our prayers to God is to “offer our hearts, open and attentive to his words.”
The cardinal also recalled the 12th anniversary of Pope Francis’ pontificate, which took place on 13 March. He noted that the Pope’s health has been a concern for many, and that the medical team caring for him at Gemelli Hospital surprised him with a cake to mark the anniversary.
Cardinal Parolin also addressed the ambassadors of the 183 countries with which the Holy See maintains diplomatic relations, warning them that wars are born in the human heart and are fueled by hatred and hostility. He called for a shift from a logic of confrontation to one of benevolence, starting with those we consider our enemies.
The cardinal concluded by emphasizing the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness, urging Catholics to make amends with those they are at odds with before attending Mass.