Pope Francis has urged Catholics to pray for him as he continues receiving treatment for double pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
For the second consecutive Sunday, the 88-year-old pontiff was unable to personally lead the traditional Angelus prayer. However, in a message written over the past few days, he expressed confidence in his recovery, stating that he is “continuing his hospitalization with trust” while undergoing the necessary treatment.
The Vatican confirmed on Saturday that the Pope’s condition remains “critical.” In his message, released on Sunday, he expressed gratitude to the hospital’s medical staff and to the many well-wishers who have sent him messages of support.
“In recent days, I have received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly moved by the letters and drawings from children,” Pope Francis wrote. “Thank you for this closeness and for the prayers of comfort I have received from all over the world! I entrust you all to the intercession of Mary and ask you to pray for me.”
The Pope was admitted to the hospital on February 14 after experiencing breathing difficulties for several days. He has long been susceptible to lung infections, having developed pleurisy as a young man and undergoing the partial removal of one lung at age 21. Over his 12-year tenure as head of the Roman Catholic Church, he has been hospitalized multiple times, including a three-night stay in March 2023 for bronchitis.
In addition to addressing his health, Pope Francis used his Sunday message to mark the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine. He urged people to remember all victims of armed conflict and to “pray for the gift of peace in Palestine, Israel, and throughout the Middle East, as well as in Myanmar, Kivu, and Sudan.”
The Angelus prayer is traditionally delivered by the Pope from a window of the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, accompanied by a brief message.
