In a heartfelt message from his hospital bed, Pope Francis expressed gratitude for well-wishes and urged for continued prayers, all while addressing the significance of global peace amid health struggles.
Pope Francis Requests Global Prayers Amid Ongoing Hospital Treatment
Pope Francis Requests Global Prayers Amid Ongoing Hospital Treatment
Pope Francis continues to seek prayers from the faithful as he battles double pneumonia and remains hospitalized in Italy, with concerns about his critical health condition.
Pope Francis has asked Catholics worldwide for prayers as he remains hospitalized with double pneumonia, a condition detected after he experienced breathing difficulties. This is the second consecutive Sunday the 88-year-old pontiff has been unable to deliver the traditional Angelus prayer from the Vatican.
Writing from Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Pope Francis reassured his followers about his hospital stay, stating that he is “confidently continuing” his treatment. The Vatican confirmed on Saturday that while he remains alert, his condition is still described as “critical.”
In his message, which emerged on Sunday, he took time to express his appreciation to the medical staff and gratefulness for the well-wishes received from fans worldwide, particularly noting the heartfelt letters and drawings sent by children. “Thank you for this closeness, and for the prayers of comfort I have received from all over the world!” he wrote, entrusting his followers to the intercession of Mary.
Pope Francis initially sought medical care on February 14 due to breathing issues, complicating his health status. A history of lung infections, originating from pleurisy and lung surgery in his youth, places him at heightened risk of such conditions. Throughout his papacy spanning over a decade, he has faced multiple hospitalizations, including a recent bout with bronchitis earlier this year.
The Vatican has maintained transparency about the Pope’s health, releasing daily updates despite the difficult nuances involved. The latest reports indicate that the pontiff required blood transfusions, and his medical team is carefully monitoring his condition, emphasizing the precarious nature of his health.
In addition to his health concerns, the Pope utilized his Sunday message to draw attention to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, urging for peace and remembrance of all victims of warfare. He called for prayers not only for Ukraine but for those suffering throughout the Middle East and other conflict zones.
Traditionally, the Angelus prayer is delivered by the Pope from the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican, accompanied by a short address—an event that many followers eagerly await each week.
Writing from Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Pope Francis reassured his followers about his hospital stay, stating that he is “confidently continuing” his treatment. The Vatican confirmed on Saturday that while he remains alert, his condition is still described as “critical.”
In his message, which emerged on Sunday, he took time to express his appreciation to the medical staff and gratefulness for the well-wishes received from fans worldwide, particularly noting the heartfelt letters and drawings sent by children. “Thank you for this closeness, and for the prayers of comfort I have received from all over the world!” he wrote, entrusting his followers to the intercession of Mary.
Pope Francis initially sought medical care on February 14 due to breathing issues, complicating his health status. A history of lung infections, originating from pleurisy and lung surgery in his youth, places him at heightened risk of such conditions. Throughout his papacy spanning over a decade, he has faced multiple hospitalizations, including a recent bout with bronchitis earlier this year.
The Vatican has maintained transparency about the Pope’s health, releasing daily updates despite the difficult nuances involved. The latest reports indicate that the pontiff required blood transfusions, and his medical team is carefully monitoring his condition, emphasizing the precarious nature of his health.
In addition to his health concerns, the Pope utilized his Sunday message to draw attention to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, urging for peace and remembrance of all victims of warfare. He called for prayers not only for Ukraine but for those suffering throughout the Middle East and other conflict zones.
Traditionally, the Angelus prayer is delivered by the Pope from the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican, accompanied by a short address—an event that many followers eagerly await each week.
