Imagine, Pope Francis, bedridden with double pneumonia in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, writing a letter. It’s also about world peace and the futility of wars! This letter, written on March 14, 2025 to Luciano Fontana, editor of the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, shows how deeply he thinks even in his illness. His words in this letter, his yearning for peace, and how our weaknesses can lead us on a better path, touch the heart.
True strength in weakness
Pope Francis, who has been in the hospital since February 14, 2025, has been suffering from a serious respiratory problem. This is the biggest challenge he has faced in his 12-year pontificate. But his mind is still clear and his thoughts are deep. One line he wrote in the letter really moved me: “In this illness, war seems even more meaningless. Our weakness shows us what is truly important, what is permanent and what is fleeting.”
In a hospital bed, struggling to breathe, he called for “disarmament of the earth.” The letter, published on March 18, 2025, was in response to Fontana’s request for his opinion on the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. His message was simple—we must abandon violence and choose peace.
Let’s start with words
An interesting point in the Pope’s letter—about words. He asked journalists, editors, and all those who write on social media to think for a moment. “Words are not just words, they build society. They can hold us together, or tear us apart,” he wrote.
These days, hateful posts on the one hand, and fake news on the other—these are fueling conflicts. That is why he is asking us to “disarm” his words, that is, to use them for peace, truth, and unity. If we think about what we say and what we share, the first step towards peace will be taken.
Diplomacy and spirituality come together...
Pope Francis also spoke about the importance of diplomacy for peace. “War destroys societies and the environment, but it does not provide answers to problems,” he wrote. He wants international organizations and leaders to work together to advance peace talks.
Speaking about religions, he said, “Religions can ignite in us a desire for fraternity, justice, and peace.” He believes that Hindu, Christian, Muslim—whatever religion, there is a desire for unity and justice in all. As the Jubilee Year of 2025 approaches, these words sound even more powerful.
Our weakness is our strength
What makes this letter so special is that it was written in the hospital, when his health was declining. The Pope said: “We often turn away from our weaknesses, from those who are wounded. Because they question the path we have chosen in life.” These words made me think—we always want to appear strong, but real change comes when we admit our weaknesses.
His illness was very serious—a multi-organ infection. But, on March 23, 2025, he was discharged after two months of rest. The Vatican says that his mind is still super sharp. Even in this weak time, he gave a message full of humility and hope.
A check on speculation, a green signal for peace
There have been many rumors about the Pope’s health and resignation. But, his close aide Cardinal Pietro Parolin clearly said, “Look at the medical bulletins, no speculation,” and looking at this letter, it is clear how focused he is still.
Another interesting fact—a few days before the letter was received, it was announced that King Charles III and Queen Camilla would be visiting the Vatican in April 2025. This fits perfectly with his words about diplomacy. He also hopes to lead Easter celebrations on April 20, 2025, if health permits.
It’s for all of us
Pope Francis’ words are not just for Christians, but for everyone. In 2015, he spoke about environmental and social justice “for everyone on earth.” This letter is no different—it asks everyone to work for peace. He says that peace should be built “with commitment, effort, silence, and words.”
“Disarming the earth” is not just a phrase, it is a challenge. Beyond the devastation of wars like those in Ukraine and Gaza, we must choose peace. It also links to his ideas about environmental and social equality in Laudato Si’.
Finally: A beacon of hope
This letter from Gemelli Hospital is not just a complaint about the war—it is a beacon of hope emerging from the pain. The letter says that his illness has made his thoughts clearer. He is asking us to make words, minds, and the earth peaceful—challenging us to think about how we speak, how we solve problems, and how we live together on this earth.
As we return to the Vatican for the 2025 Jubilee Year, his words sound like a loud call: that in our weakness lies the power to choose peace, to build unity, and to transform despair into hope. As he says, “Let us be united in this work of peace, and may God always inspire and help us.” Let us all walk together for this peace, what do you say?
For the latest updates: Check the Vatican or Corriere della Sera websites.