In brief
Pope Francis, now three weeks into his hospitalization, has been unable to perform his customary Angelus prayer in person, but he conveyed his heartfelt sentiments and thanks through an official written message.
For the third consecutive week, Pope Francis was unable to give his traditional Angelus prayer from St. Peter's Square, as he continues to receive treatment at Rome's Gemelli hospital. Instead, the Vatican released a written statement from the Pope's hospital room, where he expressed gratitude for the prayers and support from the public and his medical team. In the message, Pope Francis reflected on the “blessing” found within frailty, emphasizing how such difficult moments teach reliance on faith. He thanked God for enabling him to empathize with the suffering of others, reiterating his feeling of being uplifted by the affection of Catholics worldwide. According to the latest update from the Vatican, Pope Francis had a peaceful night, waking to breakfast with coffee, continuing his therapy, and reading the news as per his routine. This update comes after a Friday incident where he faced a second breathing "crisis" that required additional oxygen support, although he did not need intubation. By Saturday evening, his condition was reported stable with no fever and he was alert and eating normally.On Sunday, Pope Francis received two visitors: Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin and Monsignor Pena Parra, marking the first outside visitors mentioned since last Monday. However, details regarding the duration of their visit or the topics discussed remain undisclosed. In his written Angelus message, the Pope also prayed for peace around the world, particularly addressing the conflicts in Ukraine, Palestine, and Israel, stating that war seems "even more absurd" from his position. Each Sunday, thousands gather in St. Peter's Square to see the Pope, who typically gives his Angelus message from the window of his official residence in the Apostolic Palace, a location he has chosen to forgo in favor of simpler accommodations at the Vatican's Santa Marta guest house.
