09:15 | Chiclayo (Lambayeque region), Feb. 10.
In the context of the 34th World Day of the Sick, which began in Chiclayo, Lambayeque region, on Monday, the Special Envoy of Pope Leo XIV and
Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Michael Czerny, conducted a pastoral visit to the main hospitals across Peru's northern region.
On February 11, the Church commemorates World Day of the Sick, a date that coincides with the liturgical memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes—patroness of the afflicted and a source of hope for those who suffer.
This year, the observance began with special significance, delivering a message of faith, comfort, and closeness to patients and those who accompany them.
During his address at Hospital Regional Docente Las Mercedes, the prelate offered words of encouragement to patients, reminding them they are not alone, as each person is seen with love by God and embraced by the Church.
He added that, in bodily fragility, the Lord becomes especially close—and that suffering, when offered in faith, can be transformed into a source of grace and communion with the crucified and risen Christ.
Likewise, the priest highlighted the figure of Mary—mother of tenderness and healing—who manifested herself in Lourdes as a sign of hope and accompanies those who suffer, sheltering them beneath her protective mantle.
Furthermore, Cardinal Czerny expressed gratitude to family members who care for patients with patience, sacrifice, and quiet love, conveying Pope Leo XIV's appreciation for their witness of charity and faithful dedication.
The envoy also extended special thanks to doctors, nurses, and healthcare staff—underscoring that every act of care and every word of encouragement reflects the spirit of the Good Samaritan.
Their work—he said—is not merely a profession but an authentic service to life and human dignity.
Lastly, the prelate greeted and blessed hospital authorities, volunteers, and Health Pastoral Ministry members, whose generous—often quiet—work makes the Church's closeness visible where pain might otherwise cause hope to fade.
The Vatican delegation was received by Lambayeque's Regional Health Director Yonny Ureta, Hospital Regional Docente Las Mercedes Director Segundo Zavaleta, along with the hospital's clinical and administrative staff.
The cardinal was accompanied by the Bishop of the Diocese of Chiclayo Edinson Farfan.
Earlier, visits were made to the Almanzor Aguinaga Asenjo Hospital and Belen Hospital.
(END) SDC/TMC/MVB
Published: 2/10/2026