Anniversary of the deacons: 7,000 participants pray for the sick Pope

Anniversary of the deacons: 7,000 participants pray for the sick Pope

In the heart of Vatican City, almost 7,000 Catholic deacons from around 100 countries gather this weekend to celebrate the Holy Year 2025. Despite the absence of Pope Francis, who is treated in the Gemelli Clinic due to a respiratory disease, the mood remains festive. Like Kap reported , many accompanied by their wives and children on Saturday.

festivities and ordination

A highlight of this religious meeting will be the consecration of 23 new deacons in St. Peter's Basilica on Sunday, February 23. In the moving ceremony, the Pope's Holy Year, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, will lead the celebration while Pope Francis' sermon is read out. Around 4,000 deacons come from Italy, followed by 1,300 from the USA and other participants from countries such as Brazil, Germany and France, such as Vatican news reported .

In addition to the celebrations of the Holy Year, there is a clear message of hope: "We pray for Pope Francis," said a French deacon who, despite the absence of the Pontifex, enthusiastically follows the celebrations. The Pope is expected to remain in the clinic until next week, with the hope of recovery and participation in the upcoming Easter celebrations.