杏MAP导航

Vatican News staff writer

杏MAP导航 Francis gave his familiar 鈥淏uongiorno!鈥� greetings from the hospital on Sunday, just one week after undergoing intestinal surgery from which he is still recuperating at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. From the balcony of a 10th floor window overlooking the crowds below, he appeared with children who are being cared for there and recalled the need for our prayers and support for them.

The 杏MAP导航 expressed his joy at being able to keep the weekly Sunday Angelus appointment today and noted his profound gratitude to all, saying 鈥淚 have deeply felt your closeness and the support of your prayers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!鈥�

, he reflected on today鈥檚 Gospel reading where we read that Jesus鈥� disciples went out and anointed with oil many who were sick and then healed them. The oil he noted is in the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick which 鈥済ives comfort to spirit and body鈥�, but it is also a balm for 鈥渓istening, the closeness, the care, the tenderness of those who take care of the sick person鈥�, easing the pain and helping them feel better.

He noted that we all will need this 鈥渁nointing鈥� some time in our lives, and 鈥渨e can all give it to someone else鈥� through simple gestures such as a visit, a call, a helping hand.

Economic pressure must not compromise essential healthcare service

杏MAP导航 Francis shared that during these days in the hospital he has experienced personally the importance of good health care, accessible to all, as it is Italy and other countries. He stressed that 鈥淭his precious benefit must not be lost. It needs to be kept!鈥�. This requires the commitment of all, he noted, 鈥渂ecause it helps everyone and requires everyone鈥檚 contribution鈥�. The 杏MAP导航 noted that economic pressures should not compromise the ability to provide essential healthcare service. 

May no one be left alone

In conclusion, the 杏MAP导航 expressed his profound 鈥渁ppreciation鈥� and 鈥渆ncouragement鈥� to the doctors, healthcare workers, and staff. He asked us all to pray for the sick, especially those in the most difficult situations, underlining, 鈥渕ay no one be left alone, may everyone receive the anointing of listening, closeness and care鈥�. He said may we pray for this, 鈥渢hrough the intercession of Mary, our Mother, Health of the Sick鈥�.