Pope Francis has openly acknowledged that he is enduring a "period of trial" regarding his health as he remains hospitalized. In a heartfelt message shared on Sunday, he expressed his gratitude to well-wishers for their prayers and support. The 88-year-old pontiff has been recuperating from pneumonia since being admitted to the hospital on February 14. In his address, he invoked Biblical scriptures and urged for peace in "nations wounded by war," underscoring a message of hope amid adversity.
This most recent message marks the fifth consecutive Sunday that the Pope has not been physically present for his customary blessing. Despite the Vatican's assertion of "improvements" confirmed through an X-ray earlier this week, they also cautioned that he still requires ongoing medical treatment. A statement released by the Vatican on Saturday noted, "The Holy Father still requires hospital medical therapy, motor, and respiratory physiotherapy; these therapies, at present, are showing further, gradual improvements."
The Pope has not made any public appearances since his admission, and no images of him have been circulated to the media. In his recent message, he empathized with those struggling with health: "I join with so many brothers and sisters who are sick: fragile, at this time, like me." He called for continued prayers for peace, specifically mentioning countries afflicted by conflict, such as Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Since his hospitalization at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, Pope Francis has been treated not only for double pneumonia but also for additional infections, leading to several respiratory crises that have sparked concerns over his health. Earlier this month, an audio message featuring Pope Francis speaking in Spanish was played in St. Peter's Square, where his voice was noticeably weak as he thanked the Catholic community for their prayers.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is notable for being the first Pope from the Americas. He has a history of respiratory issues stemming from his younger years when he contracted pleurisy and underwent a partial lung removal, which has made him particularly susceptible to pneumonia. Amid ongoing speculation regarding his potential resignation, similar to that of his predecessor Benedict XVI, close friends and biographers have affirmed that he has no intention of stepping down. Remarkably, despite his health struggles, the Pope has continued his papal duties from his hospital room.
With 2025 designated as a Catholic Holy Year, the Vatican anticipates that 32 million pilgrims will be making their way to Rome in the near future, highlighting the Pope’s ongoing responsibilities despite his challenging health situation.
