Jony Sagayaraj Rajamanickam

Rome is filled with pilgrims at this moment of Jubilee 2025, a special year that attracts many pilgrims and tourists. This Holy Year of Jubilee, inaugurated by Pope Francis with the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on December 24, 2024, is a time for spiritual renewal, prayer, and indulgence. But the sudden news about Pope Francis’s hospitalization for a life-threatening case of double pneumonia bothered the jubilant atmosphere among the Catholics round the globe.

The 88-year-old Pope’s condition began with bronchitis and led to a 38-day stay at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. Prayers were raised for him in the Churches. Pilgrims under the guidance of the cardinals started praying rosary at St. Peter’s square every night. People started following news updated from Vatican media and other news agencies. On March 23, 2025, the Pontiff made his first public appearance since his hospitalization, greeting well-wishers from the hospital balcony before returning to the Vatican.

Despite these challenges, the Jubilee events continue to unfold across Rome. Recently, from 15 to 18 February 2025 Jubilee of Artists and the World of Culture, from 21 to 23 February 2025 Jubilee of Deacons, from 8 to 9 March 2025, Jubilee of the World of Volunteering and from March 28 to 30 the Jubilee of the Missionaries of Mercy, were celebrated without the presence of Pope Francis. Yet his message and blessings continue to guide the faithful participating in the jubilee events.

The Vatican urges the faithful to continue their pilgrimages and participate in the Jubilee activities, emphasizing the importance of prayer for the Pope’s speedy recovery. Everyone is eagerly waiting to see the supreme Pontiff and listen to his encouraging and energetic Papal messages. From the beginning of his Pontificate Pope Francis requested the audience ‘to not to forget to pray for him’. The Catholic faithful remember to pray for Pope’s health as the ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ during the period when he is so much in need of prayers. As the Jubilee Year progresses, the spiritual and profound connection between the leader of the Catholic Church and its followers during this sacred time is evident in all possible ways.