The World Day of the Sick is an awareness day in the Catholic Church intended for “prayer and sharing, of offering one’s suffering for the good of the Church and of reminding everyone to see in his sick brother or sister the face of Christ.” Instituted by then-Pope John Paul II, the day is an opportunity for Catholics to pray for those suffering from illnesses.

The “first therapy” that must be offered to the sick, and to the world, is a dose of closeness, friendship and love, Pope Francis says in his message for the 2024 World Day of the Sick.