In his annual message for the World Day of the Sick, Pope Francis says that the Covid epidemic “has exacerbated inequalities in our healthcare systems and exposed inefficiencies in the care of the sick.” Noting that Jesus rebuked those who “preach but do not practice,” the Pope said that in care for the sick, we should “respond in a way completely contrary to such hypocrisy.” The World Day of the Sick is observed on February 11, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.