The following is a transcript of the telephone call made by the Holy Father Francis this afternoon during the RAI live broadcast “A sua immagine”, “In His Image”:

Text of the telephone call of the Holy Father

Lorena Bianchetti:

Hello?

Pope Francis:

Hello. Good evening Lorena, how are you?

Lorena Bianchetti:
Pope Francis! Welcome to the programme!

Pope Francis:

You recognised my voice…

Lorena Bianchetti:

Yes, yes, I recognised your voice, and I thank you from the heart for this call, but especially for what you are doing for each one of us, for how you are participating in such a paternal way in our sufferings.

Pope Francis:
I am close, I am near to you all.

Lorena Bianchetti:

Holiness, if I may allow myself, how are you, Pope Francis, living these days?

Pope Francis:

Today, in this moment, I think of the crucified Lord and the many stories of the crucified throughout  history, those of today, of this pandemic: doctors, nurses, nuns, priests, who have died on the front line, like soldiers, who have given their life out of love, resilient like Mary under their crosses, in their communities, their hospitals, caring for the sick. Also today there are men and women who die on the cross for love, and this thought comes to mind at the moment.

Lorena Bianchetti:

This evening you will preside at the Via Crucis, and your heart will be close to us all, Your Holiness.

Pope Francis:

Yes, and I am close to the people of God, to those who are suffering the most, especially the victims of this pandemic; to the sorrow of the world, but looking up, looking up at hope, because hope never lets us down. It does not take away the pain, but it does not let us down.

Lorena Bianchetti:

And so it will be an Easter of the Resurrection, an Easter of peace, once again, Your Holiness, despite everything?

Pope Francis:

Easter always ends in the Resurrection and in peace, but it is not a “happy ending”, it is precisely through compromise and a loving commitment that makes you tread a difficult path. But He trod this path first. This comforts us and gives us strength.

Lorena Bianchetti:

You Holiness, I would continue to ask you so many questions… I don’t know if I may, if I can continue to take up so much of your time… But in the meantime I would like to express on behalf of us all the great affection we have for you.

Pope Francis:

Thank you very much, and I too would like to say that I wish you all well. All of you.

Lorena Bianchetti:

And the same from us too.  Thank you, Your Holiness!

Pope Francis:

Thank you! May the Lord bless you, and may He bless you all.

Lorena Bianchetti:

Thank you!