Pope Francis has admitted to feeling fragile and “facing a period of trial,” as he expressed gratitude for the prayers of well-wishers in a message from the hospital, where he is being treated for pneumonia, reports RTE.
The 88-year-old pope, who has been hospitalized since February 14, shared a deeply personal message with the faithful through the Vatican, as he once again was unable to deliver the traditional Angelus prayer in person.
“I am sharing these thoughts with you while I am facing a period of trial, and I join with so many brothers and sisters who are sick: fragile, at this time, like me,” wrote the pontiff, reports RTE.
“Our bodies are weak but, even like this, nothing can prevent us from loving, praying, giving ourselves, being for each other, in faith, shining signs of hope,” he added.
Today marks the fifth time the pope has been unable to personally lead the Angelus prayer, which he typically delivers to the crowd in St. Peter’s Square following mass, reports RTE.
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Last week, the Vatican reassured the public that the Argentine pope was no longer in immediate danger, after a series of breathing difficulties earlier in his hospital stay had raised concerns for his health.
Yesterday, the Vatican reported that Francis’s condition remained stable and continued to improve over the past week, though he still required ongoing medical treatment in the hospital.
“The Holy Father still requires hospital medical therapy, motor and respiratory physiotherapy; these therapies, at present, are showing further, gradual improvements,” it said, reports RTE.
That statement appeared to dispel speculation that the pope’s improvement meant he would soon be discharged.
In his message today—where he also called for peace in war-ravaged nations—Francis again expressed appreciation for his caregivers and those who have been praying for him, reports RTE.
“How much light shines, in this sense, in hospitals and places of care! How much loving care illuminates the rooms, the corridors, the clinics, the places where the humblest services are performed!” he said.
Francis is receiving care on the hospital’s 10th floor, which houses a special papal suite that includes a chapel, reports RTE.
This morning, at the hospital entrance, a group of children from a Catholic scout organization called out “Pope Francis, Pope Francis” while holding yellow and white balloons.
“I know that many children are praying for me; some of them came here today to ‘Gemelli’ as a sign of closeness,” Francis wrote in his message. Thank you, dearest children! The pope loves you and is always waiting to meet you,” reports RTE.
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