For the third consecutive week, Pope Francis has been unable to deliver his customary Angelus prayer in person, prompting the Vatican to release a written message from him instead. The statement, crafted from his hospital room in Rome, was noted to have been composed “in the past few days”.
In his message, the Pope expressed gratitude for the prayers and support he has received, as well as appreciation for his medical team. “I feel in my heart the ‘blessing’ that is hidden within frailty, because it is precisely in these moments that we learn even more to trust in the Lord,” he remarked. He also conveyed thanks for the opportunity to empathize with the sick and suffering, stating, “I thank God for giving me the opportunity to share in body and spirit the condition of so many sick and suffering people.”
Pope’s connection with the faithful
The Pope conveyed a heartfelt message to Catholics globally, expressing that he felt their “affection and closeness.” He wrote, “I feel as if I am ‘carried’ and supported by all God’s people. Thank you all!”
According to the latest update from the Vatican, Pope Francis is resting comfortably after a “peaceful” night. On Sunday morning, the Vatican reported that the Pope woke up, enjoyed breakfast with coffee, continued his therapy, and read the newspapers as per his usual routine.
During his stay in Gemelli hospital, the Pope welcomed two visitors on Sunday, marking the first outside visitors mentioned since the previous Monday. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin and his deputy, Monsignor Pena Parra, visited him in his 10th-floor hospital room, although details about their conversation and the length of the visit remain undisclosed.
Health updates and prayers for peace
On the preceding Friday, the Pope experienced a second breathing “crisis” that required additional oxygen support, although he was not intubated. By Saturday evening, the Vatican reported that his condition had stabilized, with no fever or further breathing issues. He was described as “alert” and was eating normally.
In his Sunday Angelus message, the Pope also extended prayers for peace, specifically mentioning “tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel”, asserting, “From here, war appears even more absurd.”
Typically, on Sundays, throngs of visitors gather in St Peter’s Square to witness the Pope address them from a window in the Apostolic Palace, where he traditionally resides. However, Pope Francis has chosen a more modest living arrangement at the Vatican’s Santa Marta guest house.