It seems like we're having a longer winter in Rome this year. But braving the elements, many of the faithful have been gathering on the evenings of this week in St Peter's Square to pray the Rosary together for the good health and well-being of Pope Francis who has been hospitalised since February 14. This came after a rather intense start to the Holy Year. Despite his health challenges, the 88-year-old Pontiff kept up with his usual work and the special Jubilee audiences until he was diagnosed with a respiratory infection which required complete bed rest:
Among the hundreds of well-wishers, many priests, religious and seminarians studying in Rome have been joining the Cardinals, collaborators of the Roman Curia and the Diocese of Rome, to share in a moment of intense prayer for Pope Francis. 21h00 is prime study-time for many of us. But somehow, we feel compelled to respond to this call to prayer.
 |
| Under the watchful gaze of the Mother of the Church: Cardinal Parolin leads the faithful in the recitation of the Holy Rosary for Pope Francis (Photo: Vatican Media) |
At times, the media has levelled a seemingly progressive Pope Francis against the seemingly regressive "millennial" clergy, creating an imaginary disconnect between the Pope and younger priests. But if you are privy to our conversations at the dinner table, you'd quickly realise that this is far from the truth. In fact, at least in our missionary colleges, where most of us hail from the so-called "new churches", the Argentine Pope represents the unity and universality of the Church which is experienced in a unique way here in Rome.
Anyone who has faced the declining health of a grandparent which comes with the burden of old age, would be moved by the situation of our Holy "Grandfather" Francis. The often-short updates from the Holy See Press Office on the Pope's condition has had everyone on edge. So, one can imagine that this is a moment of great suffering for Pope Francis but also a moment of profound spirituality. It is thus a moving experience to stay close to him in prayer at this time. After all, the Pope has never missed an opportunity to invite the faithful to pray for him.
A pope carries with him the concern for all the churches, offering personal prayer and sacrifices for the flock of Christ, while encouraging the brethren. We are now living through a moment of grace in which we can all join in a chain of intercessory prayer for our Holy Father. Of course, every day the whole Church prays for the Pope wherever the Holy Mass is offered. In a special way, during this Jubilee Year, a prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father accompanies our spiritual exercises, adding a different dimension for the pilgrims passing through the Holy Doors of the Papal Basilicas in these days. We remain, therefore, pilgrims of hope.
Perhaps the sentiments of Padre Pio express the faith of all those who are keeping vigil with Pope Francis: "Pray, hope and don't worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer"!
The Pilgrim
Fr Runaine James Radine
26 February 2025
