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Hundreds of U.S. pilgrims gathered for Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, focusing on the health of Pope Francis and their loved ones back home. Led by bishops from Pittsburgh and San Bernardino, California, the groups participated in a Holy Year 2025 pilgrimage.
Bishop Mark A. Eckman delivered the homily, emphasizing the Lenten call to conversion and explaining indulgences as "a way to eliminate that time that we are to spend in purgatory." He clarified that confession absolves sins but does not guarantee immediate entry into heaven; indulgences help remove any delay.
Greg Chandra led pilgrims from San Bernardino to the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica after Bishop Alberto Rojas concelebrated Mass. Rojas described the Jubilee pilgrimage as “a special time of grace” and a chance “to pray for the people back home.”
Plans to attend Pope Francis' general audience were altered due to his hospitalization since February 14 at Rome’s Gemelli hospital. Pilgrim Araceli Villarreal expressed sadness about missing the pope but prioritized his recovery.
The group also visited L’Aquila, Italy, where they celebrated Mass at the Basilica of San Bernardino and received a relic of their diocese's namesake saint. Michelle Clark noted the connection with local friars was unexpectedly moving.
Matthew Clark, traveling with his mother, admired historical churches during their journey, acknowledging their centuries-long construction dedicated to glorifying God.
