In a heartfelt message from his hospital room, Pope Francis expresses gratitude for prayers and reflects on the power of faith during times of illness.
Pope Francis Continues Hospital Stay, Sends Written Blessings to Followers
Pope Francis Continues Hospital Stay, Sends Written Blessings to Followers
The Pope's ongoing absence from St. Peter's Square raises concerns and draws prayers from around the world.
In a continuing absence from public ministry, Pope Francis has missed his traditional Angelus prayer for the third consecutive week, as he remains hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. Instead of his expected live address to the faithful in St. Peter's Square, the Vatican has issued a written message from the Pope, which he composed during his recovery. In this message, he expressed his appreciation for the outpouring of prayers and support from Catholic communities worldwide.
"I feel in my heart the 'blessing' that is hidden within frailty," the Pope wrote, emphasizing how moments of vulnerability can deepen one's faith and reliance on the Lord. He acknowledged the shared suffering with countless individuals experiencing health issues, 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 Francis reassured his followers of the strength he draws from their affection, saying, "I feel as if I am 'carried' and supported by all God's people. Thank you all!" According to the latest reports from the Vatican, the Pope has been resting after a night described as “peaceful.” He was able to have breakfast and continue with his therapy on Sunday, while also keeping up with current events.
The Pope’s condition has recently stabilized after experiencing a second breathing "crisis," prompting additional oxygen support; however, he was never intubated. He remains alert, without fever, and his normal eating habits have resumed. During his written Angelus, he also offered prayers for global peace, particularly in tumultuous regions such as Ukraine, Palestine, and Israel, remarking on the absurdity of war from his hospital vantage point.
Though typically, throngs of visitors gather in St. Peter's Square to witness the Pope’s window address, Francis has chosen to stay at the Vatican’s Santa Marta guest house rather than the more formal Apostolic Palace. His decision appears to reflect both personal preference and his continued recovery. A small number of visitors, including Cardinal Parolin and Monsignor Pena Parra, managed to visit him this past Sunday in the hospital, although details of the conversations shared remain undisclosed.
"I feel in my heart the 'blessing' that is hidden within frailty," the Pope wrote, emphasizing how moments of vulnerability can deepen one's faith and reliance on the Lord. He acknowledged the shared suffering with countless individuals experiencing health issues, 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 Francis reassured his followers of the strength he draws from their affection, saying, "I feel as if I am 'carried' and supported by all God's people. Thank you all!" According to the latest reports from the Vatican, the Pope has been resting after a night described as “peaceful.” He was able to have breakfast and continue with his therapy on Sunday, while also keeping up with current events.
The Pope’s condition has recently stabilized after experiencing a second breathing "crisis," prompting additional oxygen support; however, he was never intubated. He remains alert, without fever, and his normal eating habits have resumed. During his written Angelus, he also offered prayers for global peace, particularly in tumultuous regions such as Ukraine, Palestine, and Israel, remarking on the absurdity of war from his hospital vantage point.
Though typically, throngs of visitors gather in St. Peter's Square to witness the Pope’s window address, Francis has chosen to stay at the Vatican’s Santa Marta guest house rather than the more formal Apostolic Palace. His decision appears to reflect both personal preference and his continued recovery. A small number of visitors, including Cardinal Parolin and Monsignor Pena Parra, managed to visit him this past Sunday in the hospital, although details of the conversations shared remain undisclosed.
