Pope Francis replies to letter that children being cared for at an Italian hospital sent him when he had been experiencing health issues. He offers them his heartfelt thanks for their kinds words and good wishes, imploring the Blessed Mother to watch over them, and urging them to find a ray of light in the darkness of illness.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov
Pope Francis has thanked children in the Hospital of Perugia, Italy, for expressing closeness to him when he was experiencing health challenges.
In a note sent from the Pope on 12 April to the Hospital department that houses and cares for sick children of all ages from around the world, the Pope recalled the letter they had sent him expressing their care and good wishes for his return to health.
“We understand you very well, sometimes our days are difficult and full of suffering too, they seem to never end!” they wrote, noting that sometimes their school is called the ‘rainbow’ school for “bringing a ray of sunshine into the darkness of illness.”
Find ray of light amid illness
In his reply, the Holy Father began by expressing his heartfelt thanks to them, their parents, and to all who care for them.
Encouraging them to move forward despite all the challenges and suffering they face, he urged them to always “find a ray of light in the darkness of illness.”
The Holy Father also underscored the importance of school for encounter and learning.
Pope Francis concluded by wishing them a good Easter Season, entrusting them to Our Lady’s care, and imparting upon them the Lord’s blessings.
