Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

About 100 people gathered at Holy Family Church in Louisville on February 25 for a Mass of Healing dedicated to Pope Francis. The event was organized by the Archdiocese of Louisville and included participation from officials, priests, deacons, religious figures, and families.

Pope Francis has been hospitalized in Rome since February 14 due to double pneumonia and remains in critical condition. Archbishop Fabre led the service and reflected on a Gospel reading from Luke 22 during his homily. He emphasized the importance of prayer, stating, “As we pray for the pope’s healing, we make those words of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane our own — hear our prayers, our loving father, but thy will be done.”

Archbishop Fabre also asked attendees to pray for those assisting Pope Francis during his illness. “For the doctors and the nurses, for the hospital staff, for the Vatican staff — who, in appropriate ways, are assisting the pope as he continues to give attention to the needs of the church,” he said.

The archbishop reminded those present that God is close to those who suffer: “Christ draws very close to Pope Francis,” he noted. He encouraged everyone to place their trust in God's love and mercy while praying for Pope Francis's recovery.

Among those attending were members of the Teegarden family. April Teegarden explained their motivation: “He’s our Holy Father, so we always want to pray for him.” Her son Tommy added that Pope Francis carries significant responsibility as "the vicar of Christ on earth."

Valerie Feldkamp from St. Louis Bertrand Church also participated. She described her prayers for Pope Francis as being offered because “he’s a global figure representing our Lord, Christ himself.” She expressed hope that God's will would guide both him and the world.