St. Bernardine Invoked for Pope Leo's Lung Recovery
At Rome's Gemelli Hospital, Catholics are turning to a 15th-century Franciscan who tended plague victims as they pray for the Holy Father's lungs.
Pope Leo XIV is recovering this week from lung surgery at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. On October 13, Catholics are turning in prayer to St. Bernardine of Siena, the 15th-century Franciscan friar long invoked as the patron saint of respiratory illnesses.
Known as the Apostle of Italy, Bernardine overcame a weak voice and severe respiratory and throat troubles early in life while caring for plague victims—an experience that has drawn the sick, and those who love them, to his intercession for centuries.
An Orphan Who Served the Plague-Stricken
Born Bernardine Albizeschi in 1380 in Siena to upper-class parents, he lost his mother at the age of three and his father four years later. His aunt Diana raised him. From 1397 to 1400 he ministered at a hospital in Scala. When plague struck and claimed as many as 20 lives a day, he took charge, leading 12 young men for four months. He later fell ill himself and remained sick for four months.
In 1403 he joined the Franciscans of the Strict Observance. While praying before a crucifix, he heard Christ say: "My son, behold me hanging upon a cross. If you love me, or desire to imitate me, be also fastened naked to your cross and follow me. Thus you will assuredly find me."
Preacher of the Holy Name
Ordained a priest, Bernardine preached across Italy. He promoted devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus, reconciled warring factions, and declined three offers of bishoprics. He served five years as vicar general, reviving the strict rule of his order.
He died on May 20, 1444, and was canonized in 1450 by Pope Nicholas V. His life—marked by bodily frailty, heroic charity during the plague, and tireless preaching—makes him a fitting patron for those who suffer from respiratory ailments.
This week, as the Successor of Peter recovers in Rome, the faithful who hold fast to the Chair of Peter find in St. Bernardine a saint who knew what it was to struggle for breath and still give his voice to the Gospel. Prayer for the Holy Father's health joins the Church's constant petition for the one who shepherds the flock in the name of Christ.