A Message of Unity and Joy from Pope Francis to Pilgrims

Written by Joseph Tulloch

During a brief message from Rome’s Gemelli hospital, Pope Francis extended his greetings to groups of pilgrims from dioceses across Italy who are currently in Rome for the Jubilee Year.

The Pope expressed his joy in knowing that the pilgrims are united with him and with each other in the Lord Jesus. He emphasized the unity that binds them together as a community around their pastors and the bishop of Rome.

According to Pope Francis, these pilgrimages serve as a demonstration of the pilgrims’ commitment to answering Jesus’ call to enter through the narrow door. Love, he explained, serves the purpose of uniting and helping individuals to grow together.

‘Great joy’ over ‘unity’ with pilgrims

Pope Francis thanked the pilgrims for their prayers for his health, expressing how much he values the support he receives from their prayers and closeness.

Despite not being able to physically join them, the Pope conveyed his immense joy in knowing that they are united in the Lord Jesus. He assured the pilgrims of his prayers and requested the same in return: “I bless you and pray for you. And please, continue to pray for me too.”