On Sunday, 30 March, Pope Francis delivered his Angelus address from St. Peter’s Square, reflecting on the Gospel reading from St. Luke and urging the faithful to embrace Lent as a time of healing. Speaking with personal conviction, Pope shared that he, too, is experiencing Lent as a period of healing in both soul and body.

“I give heartfelt thanks to all those who, in the image of the Saviour, are instruments of healing for their neighbour with their word and their knowledge, with kindness and with prayer,” Pope Francis said. He emphasized the shared human experience of frailty and illness, reminding the faithful that through Christ’s salvation, all are brothers and sisters.

In his address, Pope Francis renewed his call for peace in various conflict-ridden regions worldwide. He particularly prayed for the people of Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Myanmar, all suffering from ongoing violence and instability.

Pope expressed deep sorrow over the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar’s Mandalay region on Friday, claiming over 1,700 lives in Myanmar and causing fatalities in Thailand. He called on the international community to extend support to those affected and to continue praying for Myanmar’s suffering people.

Pope Francis also turned his attention to Sudan and South Sudan, expressing grave concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis. He condemned the ongoing war in Sudan, which continues to claim innocent lives, and urged conflicting parties to prioritize civilian safety and seek a lasting resolution through diplomatic negotiations.

“We must put aside our differences and, with courage and responsibility, sit around a table and engage in constructive dialogue,” Pope implored, emphasizing the urgent need for efforts to ease tensions and establish peace in South Sudan. He further called upon the international community to step up its response to the worsening humanitarian situation in Sudan.

Amid these somber reflections, the Holy Father shared a note of optimism, acknowledging a positive development in international diplomacy. He expressed gratitude for the ratification of the Agreement on the demarcation of the border between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, calling it “an excellent diplomatic achievement.”

Encouraging both nations to continue along the path of peace and cooperation, Pope Francis highlighted the significance of constructive dialogue in resolving territorial disputes peacefully.

Concluding his address, Pope Francis entrusted the world’s suffering and aspirations for peace to Mary, Mother of Mercy, praying that she may help humanity be reconciled in peace.

As the Jubilee celebrations continue in the Vatican, Pope’s words resonate as a call to unity, healing, and unwavering hope amid the world's many challenges.