It is about living "This is my body, given for you" each day, he wrote, and it requires "a constant attitude, made up of acceptance, compassion, tenderness, a style that speaks with deeds rather than with words, expressing the language of proximity."

The pope's remarks were part of a speech he had prepared for deacons preparing to be ordained priests of the Diocese of Rome for an audience at the Vatican on Feb 24.

Even though the meeting was cancelled because the pope was experiencing "flu-like symptoms," according to the Vatican, the speech was published online and given to those invited to the audience.

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He believes the upcoming Holy Year of Mercy is a perfect time for an increase of the number of priests available for this work.

As a Jesuit priest, Fr Jorge Mario Bergoglio belonged to such a special service.

This was supported by the Federation of Priestly Emergency Services, an organisation of laypeople in Argentina and Ecuador who drive and accompany priests on their night-time calls.

In a July 27 letter to the federation's president, Pope Francis wrote: "The coming extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy is a good occasion for intensifying the collaboration between pastors and laypeople in the mission of supporting with affection and tenderly assisting the sick and dying."

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Because of a shortage of active-duty chaplains, many US military bases arrange for priests on a contract basis. But during the shutdown — caused by a budgetary impasse in Congress — these contracts are suspended.

"During the shutdown, it is illegal for them to minister on base and they risk being arrested if they attempt to do so," the US archdiocese for the military services has warned.

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