Our thoughts and prayers are with Pope Francis as he continues to struggle with his health issues. I have it on good authority that, in spite of his present suffering, he remains in good spirits, with a clear mind, and no loss of his wonderful sense of humour. Furthermore, he has instructed those responsible not to cover up the truth of his condition.

From his hospital room he continues to receive Vatican officials who keep him well informed about Church matters, and make no mistake, he is still very much in charge.

I was informed the other day that he still rings Fr Gabriel Romanelli, the Parish Priest of the Holy Family Church in Gaza, almost every evening in solidarity with the suffering remnant of the Catholic community there – just one example of his priority of caring for the suffering Church.

The other day by accident I came across one of those information sites that gives the background and material wealth of international leaders. The information these websites give usually comprises basic information such as the person’s full name, date and place of birth, occupation, height, and net worth. For Pope Francis it read:

Name: Jorge Mario Bergoglio

Date of Birth: 17 December 1936 (Aged 88)

Place of Birth: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Height: 5’ 9”

Occupation: Head of the Catholic Church, Sovereign of Vatican City State

Net worth: $100

In a world where people’s importance is often judged on their net worth, as in how much money they have, to see $100 as the Holy Father’s sum of his personal wealth is shocking in the best sense because it bears genuine witness to his commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Holy Father rejects the lure of riches and the empty promises of this world. Instead, he turns his attention to supporting those in greatest need, wherever the Church is too young, too poor, or too vulnerable to support itself, something to which you and I are committed through Missio, by the way.

Of course, the Holy Father is well looked after, as he should be, and lacks nothing in his daily life. However, his desire for a simple lifestyle precedes his election as Pope and endures to this day. (The rumour that he still has only one pair of shoes is not verified but knowing him that is exactly what he would choose to have!)

Our Lenten journey

Along with hundreds of millions of Catholics across the world, we have begun our Lenten observances, through which God offers us pardon for sins and newness of life.

God’s unconditional love for each of us invites us to fast from anything that may distract us from missionary discipleship such as harmful pleasures; to listen deeply in prayer, reflection, and meditation to what God is gently telling us; and to be generous with all our gifts in the service of those in need.

Lent provides a ‘school of discipleship’ preparing us for the celebration of the feast of all feasts; and for the rest of the year, a reboot of our personal commitment to follow Jesus and a reorientation of our daily witness to the joy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We are in dire need of good leadership in this troubled world, people like Pope Francis, who gives without counting the cost and labours for the coming of God’s Kingdom without seeking rest or reward, except to know that he is doing God’s will. May this be our prayer in solidarity with him.

I wish you a steadfast, joyful, and rewarding Lenten journey.