Pope Francis, who is reportedly responding well to treatment for pneumonia, expressed his heartfelt thanks to doctors and healthcare workers on Sunday. The 88-year-old pontiff, hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli hospital since February 14, missed delivering his fourth consecutive Angelus prayer in person but shared a written message instead.
In his message, the Pope thanked those who selflessly volunteer to assist others in need, praising their “closeness and tenderness.” He wrote, “I, too, experience the thoughtfulness of service and the tenderness of care, in particular from the doctors and healthcare workers, whom I thank from the bottom of my heart.” He emphasized the importance of the “miracle of tenderness” that brings comfort to those facing adversity, offering “a little light into the night of pain.”
The leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics has been treated at Gemelli hospital before, including for colon surgery in 2021 and a hernia operation in 2023. However, this hospitalization has been more serious, with the Pope experiencing multiple respiratory crises, raising concerns about a prolonged recovery or even the possibility of his resignation.
On Saturday, the Vatican reported that Pope Francis was showing signs of improvement, with a “gradual, slight improvement” in his condition and no recent respiratory crises. Although the Pope does not have a fever, his doctors are awaiting further positive developments before providing a full prognosis. On Sunday, the Vatican press office confirmed that the Pope’s condition remained “stable,” with “slight improvements” observed within a “complex overall picture.” The next medical update is expected on Monday afternoon.
During his hospital stay, Pope Francis has balanced rest, prayer, and limited work. On Sunday, he met with Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, and Venezuelan Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra, a senior Vatican official. He also continued his treatment regimen, including physiotherapy and breathing exercises. Additionally, the Pope participated in spiritual exercises held at the Vatican via video link, though only he could see the participants, not vice versa.
In St. Peter’s Square, where the Pope typically delivers the Angelus prayer from a Vatican window, his absence was deeply felt. Diana Desiderio, a volunteer from Pescara, Italy, expressed her hope for the Pope’s swift recovery, saying, “He is a wonderful person who has given so much, and I hope that he can return as soon as possible.” She and fellow volunteers are praying for his return to the window, where he brings “peace and serenity to everyone, because we need it.”
In his written Angelus message, Pope Francis called for peace in conflict-ridden regions, including Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He also expressed concern over the resurgence of violence in parts of Syria, urging an end to hostilities and respect for all ethnic and religious communities.
Meanwhile, Catholics have been gathering outside Gemelli hospital to pray for the Pope’s recovery, leaving flowers, candles, and heartfelt messages. Giuseppe Antonio Perazzo, 74, visited the hospital for the second Sunday in a row, dressed formally in hopes of catching a glimpse of the Pope. He displayed a sign urging the famously headstrong pontiff to “keep doing what the doctors and nurses tell you to do.”
As Pope Francis continues his recovery, the global Catholic community remains united in prayer and hope for his swift return to health and his pastoral duties.
