At his Wednesday General Audience, Pope Leo XIV focused his catechesis on an essential aspect of Jesus’ earthly ministry: His healings.

Reflecting on the Gospel account of the blind man Bartimaeus, who called out to Jesus as He passed through Jericho on His way to Jerusalem, the Pope highlighted both the physical and symbolic dimensions of the encounter.

He noted the significance of the setting—Jericho, a city below sea level—where Jesus began His ascent toward the Holy City.

This upward journey, the Pope said, foreshadows Christ’s descent into the underworld after His death, to redeem fallen humanity, symbolized by Adam.

“It is a journey from the depths, to bring back that Adam who fell to the bottom—and he represents each of us,” the Pope explained.

The name Bartimaeus, meaning “son of honor” or “son of admiration,” also carries symbolic weight. Despite his name, the man is reduced to begging at the roadside—a life far from the dignity his name suggests.

Yet Bartimaeus, the Pope pointed out, demonstrates deep insight. Though blind, “he sees better than others because he recognizes who Jesus is.

” He cries out persistently, even as the crowd tries to silence him. Jesus hears his plea, reminding us, the Pope said, that “there is no cry that God fails to hear—even when we don’t realize we are speaking to Him.”

Interestingly, Jesus does not go to Bartimaeus, but instead calls him forward. To respond, Bartimaeus must throw aside his cloak—symbolic of surrendering the little security he has—in order to be healed.

“Many times, it is precisely our securities that stand in our way,” Pope Leo said. “Like the blind man, we must come before Christ vulnerable and exposed. This is a fundamental step in any journey of healing.”

The Pope emphasized the importance of Jesus’ question to Bartimaeus: “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man replies, “Let me recover my sight”—a phrase that also implies a desire to “look up” and regain dignity.

“At times,” the Pope reflected, “people are paralyzed not only by illness, but by the humiliation life has inflicted on them. They simply want to rediscover their worth.”

Pope Leo concluded by underscoring that it is faith that saves and liberates. Though Jesus does not command Bartimaeus to follow Him, the man chooses to do so freely—“to follow Him Who is the Way.”

In closing, the Holy Father encouraged the faithful to bring before Christ their own wounds, the pain of loved ones, and the suffering of those who feel lost or without hope.

“Jesus heals us so we can be free,” he said.