Pope Francis describes Lent as ‘time of healing’

ANSA, Philippine News Agency

The Vatican released the text of his Angelus address in written form, as the 88-year-old pontiff was again unable to read it out. (Pexels Photo)

ROME – Pope Francis said on Sunday that he is experiencing Lent as a period of healing, both physically and spiritually, as he continues to recover from bilateral pneumonia.

The Vatican released the text of his Angelus address in written form, as the 88-year-old pontiff was again unable to read it out.

The 88-year-old Argentine pontiff has started what is expected to be two months of convalescence, having been discharged from Rome’s Gemelli hospital a week ago following a 38-day stay there.

“Let us live this Lent as a time of healing, all the more as it is the Jubilee,” Francis said in the Angelus address.

“I too am experiencing it this way, in my soul and in my body.”

He expressed gratitude to those who, inspired by the image of the Saviour, serve as instruments of healing for others—through their words, expertise, compassion, and prayers.

“Frailty and illness are experiences we all share,” the pope reflected. “But even more so, we are brothers and sisters in the salvation that Christ has given us.” (ANSA)