In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Peace be with you.

Good morning to you all, welcome.

I say very sincerely that I am deeply moved to meet you. When I found out that someone had requested this audience for you, I immediately said, “Yes, we will find the time”. I wanted at least to have the opportunity to share a moment that, for you, in the midst of so much pain and suffering, is truly a trial of our faith, a test of what we believe. One often asks, “Why, Lord?”. Someone reminded me of a similar moment, during a funeral mass when, instead of delivering a sermon, the priest spoke as if it were a dialogue between the person and God himself, with that question that always accompanies us, to say, “Why, Lord, why?”.

These are moments of great pain and suffering. One of your dearest and most beloved ones has lost their life in an extremely violent catastrophe, or is hospitalised for a long period, their body disfigured by the consequences of a terrible fire that horrified the whole world. And this at the most unexpected moment, on a day when everyone was rejoicing and celebrating, exchanging wishes of joy and happiness.

And so, what can be said in such circumstances? What meaning can be given to such events? Where can you find consolation commensurate with what you are feeling, a comfort that is not made up of empty and superficial words, but which touches you deeply and revives your hope? Perhaps there is only one word that is adequate: that of the Son of God on the cross – to whom you are so close today – who from the depths of his abandonment and pain cried out to the Father: “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Mt 27:46).

The Father’s response to the Son’s plea is delayed for three days, in silence. But then, what a response! Jesus rises again gloriously, living forever in the joy and eternal light of Easter.

I cannot explain to you, brothers and sisters, why you and your loved ones have been asked to face such a trial. The affection and words of human compassion that I offer you today seem very limited and powerless. On the other hand, the Successor of Peter, whom you have come to meet today, affirms this with strength and conviction: your hope, your hope is not in vain, because Christ is truly risen! The Holy Church bears witness to this and proclaims it with certainty. Saint Paul, who had seen him alive, said to the Christians of Corinth: “If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all men most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Cor 15:19-20).

Dear brothers and sisters, nothing can ever separate you from Christ’s love (cf. Rom 8:35), nor your loved ones who suffer or whom you have lost. The faith that dwells in us illuminates the darkest and most painful moments of our life with an irreplaceable light, which helps us to continue courageously on the journey towards our destination. Jesus precedes us on this path of death and resurrection, which requires patience and perseverance. Be sure of his closeness and his tenderness. He is not far from what you are experiencing; on the contrary, he shares it and carries it with you. In the same way, the whole Church carries it with you. Be assured of the prayers of the entire Church – and my personal prayers – for the repose of your departed loved ones, for the relief of those you love who are suffering, and for yourselves who accompany them with your tenderness and love.

Your heart is pierced today, as was Mary’s at the foot of the Cross; Mary, at the Cross, who saw her Son. Our Lady of Sorrows is close to you in these days, and it is to her that I entrust you. Turn to her without reserve with your tears and seek in her the maternal comfort that only Mary knows how to give, and can certainly give you. Like Mary, you will be able to wait patiently, in the night of suffering but with the certainty of faith, for a day, a new day to dawn; and you will find joy again.

As a sign of comfort and closeness, of also wanting to share this moment with you, I invite you to pray together, and I will impart to every one of you, and to all your loved ones who suffer, the Apostolic Blessing.

Let us pray together: Our Father…

And to Mary, Our Mother, Our Lady of Sorrows, let us say: Hail Mary…

[Blessing]

May the peace and consolation of faith be with you always. Amen.

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Holy See Press Office Bulletin, 8 January 2025