Pope Francis continues to receive treatment for double pneumonia, asking for prayers while acknowledging the support he has received from well-wishers worldwide.
Pope Francis Asks for Prayers Amid Hospitalization for Double Pneumonia
Pope Francis Asks for Prayers Amid Hospitalization for Double Pneumonia
The pontiff remains in critical condition, expressing gratitude for global support and calling for peace in conflict regions.
In a heartfelt message from his hospital bed, Pope Francis has requested prayers from Catholics as he undergoes treatment for double pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. For the second consecutive Sunday, the Pope was unable to deliver the traditional Angelus prayer in person. However, in a message crafted over recent days, he stated that he is "confidently continuing" his hospital stay and undergoing necessary treatments.
The Vatican disclosed on Saturday that the 88-year-old pontiff's condition remains "critical." During his message shared on Sunday, the Pope expressed his gratitude towards doctors and health workers for their care, also thanking the many well-wishers who sent supportive messages. "In recent days I have received many messages of affection and have been particularly moved by the letters and drawings from children," he wrote. He emphasized, "Thank you for this closeness, and for the prayers of comfort I have received from all over the world! I entrust you all to the intercession of Mary, and I ask you to pray for me."
Pope Francis was initially admitted to the hospital on February 14 after struggling to breathe for several days. His history of lung complications includes having developed pleurisy as an adult and losing part of a lung at the age of 21. Throughout his 12-year tenure as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, he has faced multiple health challenges, including a hospitalization for bronchitis in March 2023.
The Vatican has committed to transparency regarding the Pope's health, issuing daily updates. These updates have provided varied tones and details, leading some observers to interpret the underlying messages. The latest announcement indicated that the Pope, while alert and spending time in an armchair, is still "not out of danger" and is experiencing more significant health issues than the previous day.
Doctors have reported that while the Pope is responding to medication, his condition remains complex, and even minor changes could disrupt his sensitive health situation. "He is the Pope," a physician stated, "but he is also a man."
In a poignant moment, the Pope took the opportunity to highlight the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine, calling on people to remember all victims of armed conflict and to pray for peace in various conflict zones, including Palestine, Israel, Myanmar, Kivu, and Sudan. The Angelus prayer, typically delivered by the Pope from the Apostolic Palace’s window, is accompanied by a short message reflecting his thoughts and prayers for the world.
The Vatican disclosed on Saturday that the 88-year-old pontiff's condition remains "critical." During his message shared on Sunday, the Pope expressed his gratitude towards doctors and health workers for their care, also thanking the many well-wishers who sent supportive messages. "In recent days I have received many messages of affection and have been particularly moved by the letters and drawings from children," he wrote. He emphasized, "Thank you for this closeness, and for the prayers of comfort I have received from all over the world! I entrust you all to the intercession of Mary, and I ask you to pray for me."
Pope Francis was initially admitted to the hospital on February 14 after struggling to breathe for several days. His history of lung complications includes having developed pleurisy as an adult and losing part of a lung at the age of 21. Throughout his 12-year tenure as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, he has faced multiple health challenges, including a hospitalization for bronchitis in March 2023.
The Vatican has committed to transparency regarding the Pope's health, issuing daily updates. These updates have provided varied tones and details, leading some observers to interpret the underlying messages. The latest announcement indicated that the Pope, while alert and spending time in an armchair, is still "not out of danger" and is experiencing more significant health issues than the previous day.
Doctors have reported that while the Pope is responding to medication, his condition remains complex, and even minor changes could disrupt his sensitive health situation. "He is the Pope," a physician stated, "but he is also a man."
In a poignant moment, the Pope took the opportunity to highlight the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine, calling on people to remember all victims of armed conflict and to pray for peace in various conflict zones, including Palestine, Israel, Myanmar, Kivu, and Sudan. The Angelus prayer, typically delivered by the Pope from the Apostolic Palace’s window, is accompanied by a short message reflecting his thoughts and prayers for the world.
