Pope Leo XIV, during his general audience, focused on the healing ministry of Jesus, drawing from the story of Bartimaeus. The Pope emphasized that God hears every cry for help and encouraged bringing personal struggles to Christ. He highlighted the importance of faith and persistence, as demonstrated by Bartimaeus's unwavering cries for healing. The Pope also noted the significance of letting go of one's securities to embrace faith, as Bartimaeus discarded his cloak. Ultimately, the Pope reminded the audience that Jesus heals so individuals can become free and regain their dignity.
10 days ago
Pope Leo XIV addressed the faithful in St. Peter's Square on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, focusing on Jesus's healings as an essential aspect of His ministry 1. The Pope invited individuals to bring their "most painful and fragile parts" to Christ, encouraging them to trust in the Lord's healing power 1 2 6. The catechesis centered on the Gospel story of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, as an example of unwavering hope and faith 1 3.
Bartimaeus, a blind beggar from Jericho, serves as a central figure in Pope Leo XIV's reflection on healing and faith 1. The Pope noted the significance of Jericho as an "underworld," symbolizing humanity's fallen state 1 3. Bartimaeus's name, meaning "son of Timaeus," also carries weight, as it could also mean "son of honor" or "admiration," highlighting the disparity between his potential and his current condition 1 3. Despite his blindness, Bartimaeus recognized Jesus as the Messiah, demonstrating a deeper spiritual insight than those around him 1 3 7.
Pope Leo XIV emphasized the necessity of vulnerability in seeking healing from Jesus 1 2. Bartimaeus's act of throwing off his cloak, which represented his security and means of survival, symbolizes the need to shed our own "apparent securities" that hinder our progress 1 3 4. The Pope highlighted that true healing requires exposing ourselves to Jesus with all our frailties 1 3 7. Furthermore, faith is paramount; it is what ultimately saves Bartimaeus and enables him to be healed and made free 1 3.
A key message from Pope Leo XIV is that God hears every cry for help 2 7 9. The Pope emphasized that "there is no cry that God does not hear, even when we are not aware we are addressing Him" 1 2 3. Bartimaeus's persistence in calling out to Jesus, despite the crowd's attempts to silence him, demonstrates the importance of unwavering prayer 1 2. Jesus's response to Bartimaeus's cry affirms God's attentiveness and willingness to intervene in our lives 1 3.
Pope Leo XIV urged the faithful to bring their ailments and the pain of their loved ones before Jesus 1 2. He encouraged them to cry out to the Lord with confidence, knowing that He will hear and respond 1 2 3. The Pope connected this message with the month of June being devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, inviting all to bring their "most painful and fragile parts" to Christ's heart for healing and solace 2 4. The Pope also made an appeal for prayers for the victims of the tragedy in the school in Graz 5 6.
What is the Catholic Church's understanding of divine healing?
The Catholic Church acknowledges two forms of healing: healing through divine grace and healing that utilizes the powers of nature . The Church believes in the life-giving presence of Christ, the physician of souls and bodies, and strives to care for the sick through prayer and the sacraments .
From the time of the Apostles, the Church has interceded on behalf of the sick through the invocation of the name of Jesus, seeking healing through the power of the Holy Spirit . This can take the form of sacramental laying on of hands and anointing with oil or simple prayers for healing, often including appeals to the saints . The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that the Holy Spirit sometimes gives certain people a special charism of healing to manifest the power of the grace of the risen Lord .
The Church has never considered divine healing as a reason to exclude natural means of healing through medicine . Alongside the sacrament of healing and prayers, the Church has a long history of caring for the sick through natural means, exemplified by the numerous Catholic hospitals . Christian charity demands that natural means of healing not be neglected .
The two kinds of healing are not mutually exclusive . The possibility of being healed by divine power does not mean natural means should not be used . Recourse to natural means of healing remains appropriate, as these are at human disposal .
Encountering Christ often means finding physical healing . Jesus entrusted his disciples with the mission of proclaiming God's kingdom, conversion, forgiveness of sins, and healing the sick . As a condition of salvation, Jesus asks for faith, through which a person abandons himself totally to God .
The Incarnation of the Word heals weaknesses and ennobles human nature . Every act of helping the sick, done with faith and fraternal sensitivity, becomes a religious act . Care of the sick, when respecting the person, aims at healing the whole person, restoring interior harmony, zest for life, joy of love, and communion . Sickness and pain can become occasions for fraternal solidarity and heartfelt supplication to God . Suffering lived in faith can lead the sick person to discover the true face of God .
The Church strives to heal the sick by caring for them and interceding through prayer, possessing a sacrament specifically for their benefit . The desire for healing is good, especially when it takes the form of trusting prayer to God . It is praiseworthy for the faithful to ask for healing, and the Church asks for the health of the sick in her liturgy . Jesus approached and healed many sick people, uniting them to Christ to proclaim the victory of Christ and the hope of eternal life .
In summary, the Catholic Church understands divine healing as a gift from God that complements natural means of healing. It emphasizes the importance of prayer, the sacraments, and the role of faith in seeking and receiving healing, while also recognizing the value of medical care and the responsibility to care for the sick.