He introduced himself to the world twelve years ago with his simple and moving ‘Brothers and sisters, good evening’, immediately building a bridge of familiarity and humanity, breaking with traditional formality and getting close to people's hearts. Last Sunday, with his usual disarming spontaneity, he greeted the pilgrims present in St. Peter's Square with ‘Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter’. Then, like a loving father in his last speech, he exhorted the faithful to trust in the risen Christ to hope again and to trust in others, to hope for peace, turning his gaze to all the war-torn countries, and finally he bade farewell to the world by imparting his last Urbi et Orbi blessing. Each of us has an indelible memory of Pope Francis, the pontiff who always showed a special concern for the poor, the sick, prisoners, migrants and refugees.

Pope Francis' vision of the Church as a “field hospital” reflects his conviction that the Church must always be ready to heal the wounds of humanity, offering comfort and assistance to those in need. This image has become a symbol of his pontificate, encapsulating his commitment to serve the weakest and suffering. During the audience of 1 February 2019, on the occasion of the LXIX General Chapter of our Order, he addressed those present as follows: 'Dialogue, debate and plan together, starting from your roots, the present and the future of your life and mission, always listening to the voice of so many sick and needy, as St John of God did: a man passionate for God and compassionate towards the sick and the poor. [Passion and compassion are the energies of the Spirit that will give meaning to your hospitaller mission, that will animate your spirituality and give quality to your fraternal life in community. In a consecrated person, and in every baptized person, there can be no authentic compassion for others if there is no passion of love for Jesus. Passion for Christ impels us to the prophecy of compassion. May the cause of the human resonate in you as the cause of God. And in this way, feeling yourselves to be family, you will always be able to put yourselves at the service of the wounded and sick world.