On Sunday, Pope Francis publicly acknowledged his frailty and described himself as “facing a period of trial” as he expressed gratitude to those offering prayers for him during his hospital stay for pneumonia.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been hospitalized since February 14, shared a heartfelt message with the faithful, which was published by the Vatican. It marked the fifth time that Pope Francis had missed delivering the traditional Angelus prayer in person, a moment when he typically greets the crowd in St. Peter’s Square after Mass.
“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,” Pope Francis wrote.
He went on to emphasize the importance of faith, stating, “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.”
The Vatican recently reassured the public that the Pope’s condition had stabilized after a series of breathing crises during his initial hospital stay raised concerns. On Saturday, the Vatican confirmed that Francis’s condition continued to show gradual improvement, although he still required medical treatment, including motor and respiratory physiotherapy.
While the Pope has made progress, the Vatican clarified that he was not yet ready to leave the hospital. In his Sunday message, he also extended prayers for peace in war-torn countries and expressed gratitude for the care he had received.
“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.
The Pope, who is being treated in a special papal suite on the 10th floor of the hospital, also received a special greeting from children of a Catholic scout group. The children, holding yellow and white balloons, cheered “Pope Francis, Pope Francis” outside the hospital.
“I know that many children are praying for me; some of them came here today to ‘Gemelli’ as a sign of closeness,” the Pope wrote. “Thank you, dearest children! The pope loves you and is always waiting to meet you.”
