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Pope makes surprise call to Italian TV show


Source: Vatican News

Pope Francis surprised the audience of Italian TV show, 'A Sua Immagine' (In His Image) when he called today, to express his nearness to all those offering their lives to help others.

Lorena Bianchetti, host of the show, recognized the caller's voice immediately. "Pope Francis!" she exclaimed. "Welcome to the programme."

"You recognized my voice!" the Pope replied.

Lorena thanked the Pope for calling, and then thanked him "above all, for what you are doing for all of us, for how you are participating in such a paternal way in our sufferings."

Then she had a question for the Pope. "Your Holiness how are you living these days?" she asked.

The Pope replied: "I am thinking of the crucified Lord and of the many stories of history's crucifixions, those of today, of this pandemic." He went on to list those he has been mentioning frequently: doctors, nurses, sisters, priests. They have "died on the front lines, like soldiers, who have given their lives out of love."

He compared them to Mary, steadfast at the foot of the cross. They found that cross, the Pope said, "in their communities, in hospitals, treating the sick". They are the "crucified of today, dying out of love." This is what Pope Francis is thinking about in these days.

The Pope then stressed that he is near to those who are suffering, especially because of the pandemic, but he said he is "looking up, looking toward hope, because hope does not disappoint. It does not take away pain, but it does not disappoint."

Lorena then asked a further question: "So, Holy Father, once again, notwithstanding everything, this will be an Easter of the Resurrection, an Easter of peace?"

"Easter always ends in the Resurrection and in peace," he replied. This does not mean a "happy ending," he continued, "but a loving commitment that makes you tread a difficult path. But He trod it first. This comforts us and gives us strength."

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