A screenshot from Pope Francis’ video message to Edna, a 17-year-old Portuguese girl suffering from a serious illness. VATICAN NEWS
By Francesca Pollio Fenton
Catholic News Agency
June 24, 2023
Pope Francis on June 23 sent a heartfelt video message to a 17-year-old Portuguese girl suffering from a serious illness.
Edna sent the Holy Father a letter expressing her sadness for not being able to attend World Youth Day this year in Lisbon. Although she registered for the event, she told the pope that she will not be able to attend physically. The young girl deeply desired to meet Pope Francis.
She wrote in her letter: “When I heard that the [World Youth] Day would be held in Portugal, I was very happy, because every time I see the pope speak on television, I feel well, as if I had no illness that would prevent me from participating in the WYD.”
Edna added that she wanted to meet the pope so that she could tell him “how important he is for her and her family.”
However, the teenager doesn’t know how much longer she has to live. She has been suffering from a serious illness for the past eight years.
“The doctor said that he does not know when I will meet Jesus, but that it will happen soon,” she wrote.
Moved by her words, Pope Francis sent Edna a personal message to thank her.
“Edna, I received your letter; thank you! Thank you for your tenderness and thank you for the peace in your heart,” the Holy Father said.
He added: “This peace is like a seed planted in the hearts of all of us who see you and all those who talk to you. Thank you! I accompany you on this journey that you are making. I accompany you and I know that you will be well received. I accompany you by praying for you, praying with you, and looking at Jesus, who is always waiting for us. Thank you!”
In her letter, Edna asked for the pope’s prayers. In his video message, he asks her to keep him in her prayers.
“And now I give you my blessing so that it may also give you strength on this journey,” he concluded.
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