In a heartfelt gesture of unity and faith, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States, presided over a solemn Mass at Rome’s Church of the Gesù, gathering ambassadors to the Holy See to pray for Pope Francis’ well-being.

During his homily, Archbishop Gallagher conveyed Pope Francis’ deep gratitude for the immense wave of prayers and support offered for his recovery. He emphasized that these acts of spiritual solidarity rise abundantly to Heaven, reinforcing the Pope’s strength during his battle with bilateral pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.

The Archbishop’s message centered on the ever-flowing love of God, symbolized by the pierced Heart of Jesus, which continuously seeks humanity’s response. He stressed that divine love meets us in our struggles and shortcomings, transforming them into mercy. Lent, he noted, is a pivotal time to deepen this journey, allowing God’s love to open new paths of hope, freedom, and peace in our lives.

However, Archbishop Gallagher also reflected on the growing presence of darkness in the world, cautioning against a mindset that dwells more on death than on life. He lamented the increasing spread of evil and violence, citing conflicts in Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He warned against those who perpetuate a culture of destruction and division, using hatred and war as instruments of power.

Instead, he urged Christians to be messengers of love, justice, and peace. He praised societies that foster dialogue, trust in reason and conscience, and uphold human dignity as the highest value. He called for a form of diplomacy that rises above self-interest to serve the greater good, fostering justice and peace for all.

Recalling Pope Francis’ frequent calls for unity, Archbishop Gallagher stressed the importance of embracing a culture of encounter rather than isolation. He warned that selfishness is a prison that prevents individuals from becoming a blessing to others. There is a stark contrast, he noted, between those who extend a hand to save and those who bring destruction by denying help to those in need.

Addressing the ambassadors, the Archbishop highlighted the necessity of a guiding light—one that transcends human judgment and leads to righteous action. True wisdom, he remarked, is found in silence and prayer, where the voice of conscience can be heard clearly. He pointed out that even those who fought against tyranny and injustice, regardless of religious beliefs, did so in the name of conscience, recognizing a higher moral call.

As he concluded, Archbishop Gallagher invited diplomats to embrace moments of reflection and listen to their inner conscience, especially during Lent. He entrusted the Pope’s health and global peace to the Virgin of Silence, calling for divine guidance in these challenging times.