Lenten campaign 2026
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After releasing his first message for the World Day of the Sick, Pope Leo noted today's feast day, which also commemorates the World Day, lighting a candle in prayer at today's general audience.
He said that he would also pray in the Vatican Gardens for this intention:
At the end of the Audience, I will go to the grotto of Lourdes in the Vatican Gardens and light a candle, a sign of my prayer for all the sick, whom we remember with particular affection today, World Day of the Sick.
The Holy Father's message for this day focuses on encounter -- the gift of presence and shared responsibility in caring for those who are ill. The theme of being present to each other is already shaping itself as a characteristic of this pontificate.
The message concludes with an ancient prayer:
Here is the full text.
Sweet Mother, do not part from me.
Turn not your eyes away from me.
Walk with me at every moment
and never leave me alone.
You who always protect me
as a true Mother,
obtain for me the blessing of the Father,
Son and Holy Spirit.
