Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, who serves as the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States, presided over a solemn Mass dedicated to the health of Pope Francis. This heartfelt service, attended by various Ambassadors to the Holy See, took place at the Church of the Gesù in Rome, a significant spiritual site for the Society of Jesus, to which the Pope is affiliated.
During his homily, Archbishop Gallagher conveyed Pope Francis’ deep gratitude for the overwhelming support and prayers being lifted to Heaven on his behalf. He emphasized the importance of communal prayer, noting how it strengthens both the individual and the community in times of need.
The Archbishop’s reflections were particularly poignant as they unfolded within the context of the Pope’s ongoing recovery from bilateral pneumonia, which has necessitated his hospitalization at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
Gallagher spoke of the divine love that “constantly flows” from God, symbolized through the “pierced Heart of Jesus.” This love, he explained, seeks a response from all of us, meeting us in our vulnerabilities, our shortcomings, and embracing us with a profound quality of mercy.
He underscored the significance of the liturgical season of Lent as a critical period for spiritual renewal. Archbishop Gallagher highlighted that this season offers a unique opportunity for believers to deepen their relationship with God, advocating for a mindset that welcomes and accepts divine love.
He articulated that such openness could lead to a transformative spiritual rebirth, unlocking “new spaces and new horizons of hope, of freedom, and of peace” in the lives of individuals and communities alike. Through this emphasis, he reminded all present of the essential call to embrace the Lenten journey with humility and faith.
