Throughout his 38 days of hospitalization, Pope Francis received countless displays of affection from the faithful.
The first to be noticed were the children on the oncology ward. With drawings and messages, they greeted the Pope during his first days of hospitalization, wishing him a speedy recovery and sending messages of affection.
Furthermore, prayers for his health began to be offered daily. Ten days after his admission, on February 24, the Vatican announced that, from then on, the Rosary would be prayed every evening for the Pope’s health.
CARD. PIETRO PAROLIN
From this evening on, we also wish to publicly join in the recitation of the Holy Rosary here at his home. We entrust him to the powerful intercession of Mary Most Holy, whom we invoke especially under the title of Salus infirmorum.
The opportunity arose to be present at such a special moment to be able to offer this support. As Pope Francis says: "Pray for me," and we are here to give you this total support.
Support came from St. Peter's to Gemelli, where Holy Hours were also organized inside the chapel for all those who could not make it to the Vatican or who preferred to go to the hospital to pray.
On Angelus Sundays, the faithful did not fail to visit Gemelli; on February 23rd, dozens of people prayed and brought flowers, candles, or balloons:
Pope Francis! Great strength! Strength, courage, he has always had it. And he transmits it to us. As he always says: "Pregate per me," in Italian, which means "Pray for me," for my health. And that's what I tell him. Just as he gives us so much strength, today more than ever we want strength for him.
It was not just candles and flowers… Roberto Márquez, a Mexican artist, was commissioned to display a work he created under the Pope's windows with the intention of showing the closeness of the Mexican people.
ROBERTO MÁRQUEZ
Artist
The reason I'm here at the Gemelli Polyclinic is because I'm bringing a message from the Hispanic community to Pope Francis, who has been very ill, and I thought it was very important not only to bring the message, but also to make my presence felt.
The displays of support continued unabated. As March began, a group of dancers, led by Daiana Guspero, arrived at Gemelli. There, they danced a tango.
All these displays of affection seemed to reach the Pope, who sent an audio recording of his gratitude that was made public during one of the Rosary prayers.
I sincerely appreciate the prayers you're offering for my health from the Plaza. I'm here with you. May God bless you and may the Virgin watch over you. Thank you.
It was a bittersweet moment for some of the faithful due to the faintness of his voice.
Let's just say it made my hair stand on end because I wasn't expecting it. With the news circulating, hearing him with that faint, hopeful voice, offering us affection and telling us that he's there, that he's there, that we should pray for him… well, it impressed me, it really impressed me.
In fact, during his stay, Pope Francis marked 12 years since his appointment as Pope. In his absence, the faithful continued to celebrate this day, for example, at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross:
FERNANDO PUIG
Rector of Santa Croce
This year's circumstances are somewhat special, but even so, in addition to praying for him and asking for his health and a speedy recovery, we wanted a Mass, a celebration, to also be a way of thanking him for all he has done and is doing for the Church.
Now, 38 days after all these acts of faith, support, and displays of affection, what all these aforementioned moments desired has been fulfilled: Pope Francis's release from the hospital.
BAM
TR: GS
