Addressing the faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square during his Sunday Angelus, the Holy Father Pope Francis recalled that February 11 marks the World Day of the Sick, which, he said, “this year draws attention to the importance of relationships in illness”. He prayed for all those who are unable to receive medical treatment in the world, and especially in Palestine and Myanmar.
In this regard, the pontiff noted that the first thing that we need when we are sick is “the closeness of loved ones” as well as that of health workers and of God.
“We are all called to be close to those who suffer” the Pope stressed, expressing his closeness “and that of the whole Church” to those who are sick or frail, going on to say that it is not possible to keep silent, as this day is celebrated, “about the fact that there are so many people today who are denied the right to care, and therefore the right to life!”
“I am thinking of those living in extreme poverty; but I am also thinking of the territories of war: there, fundamental human rights are violated every day! It is intolerable”, he added.
The Pope then went on to pray for Palestine, Ukraine, and Israel, before renewing his prayers for Myanmar, where Rohingya Muslims, for whom he prayed during his General Audience on Wednesday, February 7, continue to be subject to extreme violence and ethnic persecution.
