Pope Francis emphasized that faith plays a crucial role in helping us face pain without falling into bitterness or despair. In his Angelus message, the Holy Father reflected on Jesus’ journey to the cross, noting that faith allows us to confront suffering with trust and abandonment, feeling sheltered by God’s providential and merciful embrace.
The Pope encouraged the faithful to contemplate Jesus’ example, who walked towards the cross with the feelings and heart of a child clinging to his father’s neck. By doing so, we can learn to face our own pain and suffering with a sense of trust and hope, rather than giving in to despair.
Pope Francis expressed gratitude for the prayers for his health, which he said help him feel God’s closeness, compassion, and tenderness. He also prayed for those who suffer, especially those affected by war, poverty, or natural disasters. In particular, he mentioned the victims of a business collapse in Santo Domingo and the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has resulted in thousands of deaths and millions displaced.
The Pope urged the international community to act and support those in need, calling for an end to violence and dialogue to resolve conflicts. He also remembered Lebanon, where a civil war began 50 years ago, praying for peace and prosperity in the region.