- Pope Francis thanked medical staff for their care amid his illness
- He missed his weekly blessing but shared a message of hope
- The Vatican reported gradual improvement in his health
Pope Francis, who has been struggling with pneumonia and bronchitis for over three weeks, expressed gratitude to the medical staff caring for him for their “tender” attention.
For the fourth consecutive Sunday, the Argentine Pontiff was unable to deliver his weekly blessing in person, but the Vatican released the message he had prepared.
“While I am here, I think of the many people who are close to the sick,” he said, referring to them as “bringing a little light into the night of pain.”
The Vatican provided an update on Saturday, reporting that the Pope had shown a “good response” to his treatment at Rome’s Gemelli hospital in recent days.
“The clinical condition of the Holy Father in recent days has remained stable, which indicates a good response to the treatment,” the Vatican stated. “There is therefore a gradual, slight improvement.”
In his blessing, Pope Francis shared his appreciation for the “thoughtfulness of service and the tenderness of care” he has received, particularly from the doctors and healthcare workers. “I thank them from the bottom of my heart.”
He also reflected on the many individuals who support the sick in various ways, calling them “a sign of the Lord’s presence.” He emphasized the importance of the “miracle of tenderness” that accompanies those in hardship, bringing “a little light into the night of pain.”
Later on Sunday evening, the Vatican announced that the Pope had participated in “spiritual exercises” for senior Catholic clerics via video link, though he was not visible. These exercises, an annual period of spiritual reflection, were led by a preacher, with the Pope attending as a “recipient.”
On Saturday morning, the 88-year-old Pope prayed in the chapel of his papal suite at Gemelli Hospital, according to the Vatican.
Pope Francis has not been seen in public since his hospital admission on February 14, marking his longest absence from the public since his papacy began 12 years ago.
He was hospitalized after experiencing breathing difficulties and was initially treated for bronchitis before being diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs. Given his medical history, including a partial lung removal following a young adult bout with pleurisy, the Pope is particularly vulnerable to pneumonia, an infection that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. His doctors have indicated that recovery will likely be a long process due to his age and medical background.
