Pope reflects on visiting the sick and imprisoned

November 09, 2016

Continuing his series of Wednesday general audiences on the works of mercy, Pope Francis devoted his November 9 catechesis to healing the sick and visiting the imprisoned.

“Jesus himself is our model in both,” the Pope told the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square, according to the official English-language synthesis of his remarks. “He shows us the importance of drawing near to those who so often feel alone and abandoned.”

“How much good is done when we visit the sick and those in prison, and how much we ourselves are enriched by these acts of charity!” he continued. “Visiting the imprisoned is a fruitful way of bringing the Lord’s healing presence to those who are paying for their mistakes. Deprived of their freedom, they especially need to hear the message of God’s merciful love and forgiveness, and in this way to recognize their worth and dignity.”

The Pope added:

Jesus himself, though innocent, suffered in prison for our sake, and the apostles Peter and Paul used the time of their imprisonment to pray and proclaim the Gospel. By visiting the sick and the imprisoned, may we bring God’s mercy and its redemptive power to our brothers and sisters in need.

 

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Further information:

• 2016.11.09 General Audience (YouTube Vatican)
• L’Udienza Generale, 09.11.2016 (Holy See Press Office)