Over 20,000 pilgrims from 90 countries, including patients, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare personnel, gathered in Rome and Vatican City for the Jubilee of the Sick and Healthcare World. The event, held over the weekend, included a pilgrimage to the Holy Door in St. Peter's Basilica.
Pope Francis, currently recovering from an illness, did not attend the event in person but had his homily read by Archbishop Rino Fisichella during the Mass in St. Peter's Square. In his message, the Pope shared his personal experience of illness, noting that the hospital room and the sickbed can become holy places where charity and gratitude flourish.
Addressing healthcare workers, Pope Francis encouraged them to view their work as an opportunity for personal renewal through gratitude, mercy, and hope. He emphasized the importance of society embracing the suffering and not marginalizing those who are frail. Volunteers from Lourdes expressed their commitment to supporting the sick and disabled during the event.