In a touching video message, Pope Francis reached out to a 17-year-old Portuguese girl who is facing a serious illness. The Holy Father was moved by a letter from Edna, expressing her deep sadness for being unable to physically attend this year's World Youth Day in Lisbon, despite registering for the event. Edna's heartfelt desire was to meet Pope Francis in person.

In her letter, she wrote, "When I found out that World Youth Day would take place in Portugal, I was overjoyed. Whenever I see the pope speaking on television, I feel a sense of well-being, as if my illness doesn't exist, and I could actively participate in WYD."

Edna also shared her longing to meet the pope so that she could personally convey to him "how significant he is to her and her family."

Having learned that Edna's life hangs in the balance due to her ongoing battle with a severe illness over the past eight years, Pope Francis was deeply moved. In response to her letter, the Holy Father personally reached out to express his gratitude.

"Edna, I have received your letter, and I want to thank you from the depths of my heart. Thank you for your tender words, and thank you for the serenity that resides within you," Pope Francis conveyed.

He continued, "This serenity is like a seed that is planted within the hearts of all those who encounter you, who speak with you. Thank you! I am walking alongside you in this journey that you are undertaking. I am with you, and I am certain that you will be warmly received. I am accompanying you through prayer—praying for you, praying with you, and fixing our gaze upon Jesus, who always awaits us. Thank you!"

In her letter, Edna had requested the pope's prayers, and in his video message, Pope Francis humbly requested Edna to pray for him as well.

"As a token of my care, I now impart my blessing upon you. May it grant you strength throughout this journey," he concluded.