In his weekly Angelus address, Pope Francis gave praise to God because the one who never abandons us, even in times of severe trial.
The Pope, who has been in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for over a month battling double pneumonia, said that he was facing a “period of trial” and noted that he was removed from being the one person on the planet faced with serious health issues.
“Our bodies are weak, but even like this, nothing can prevent us from loving, praying, giving ourselves, being shining signs of hope for each other in faith,” he said.
In the address, Pope Francis referred to the transfiguration of Christ, an event wherein Christ shone with heavenly light while on a mountaintop with Peter and John, his disciples. While on the mountain Jesus met with two figures from Israel’s past, Moses and the prophet Elijah.
“Jesus immerses Himself in prayer and becomes radiant with light … In this fashion, [Jesus] shows the disciples what’s hidden behind the gestures He performs of their midst: the sunshine of His infinite love.”
The Pope said that hospitals might be places where an analogous light might be observed. This happens when people, performing “the humblest services” reveal their like to those under their care.
The Pope thanked all those that have been praying for him all over the world, especially children, and warranted them of his love for them.
He also called for his followers to praise the Lord, “Who never abandons us and who, in times of sorrow, places people beside us who reflect a ray of His love.”
The Pope also made mention of conflict zones all over the world, namechecking Ukraine, Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, saying that these troubled countries remain in his prayers as does the Roman Catholic Church.
