Pope Francis stated on Sunday that he is experiencing a state of fragility and undergoing a period of tribulation, expressing gratitude to well-wishers for their prayers in a communiqué from the medical facility where he has been receiving treatment for pneumonia.
The pontiff, who has been hospitalized since February 14, disseminated a notably personal correspondence to the faithful, which was made public by the Vatican, as he once again was unable to deliver the traditional Angelus prayer in person.
“I am sharing these thoughts with you while I am facing a period of trial, and I join with so many brothers and sisters who are sick: fragile, at this time, like me.
“Our bodies are weak but, even like this, nothing can prevent us from loving, praying, giving ourselves, being for each other, in faith, shining signs of hope,” Pope Francis said.
CREEBHILLS recalls that Sunday marked the fifth occasion on which the 88-year-old Pope Francis health condition hindered him from personally reciting the Angelus prayer, which he typically presents to the assembly gathered in St. Peter’s Square subsequent to the mass.
The Vatican indicated last week that the Argentine pontiff was no longer in peril after experiencing a series of respiratory crises earlier during his hospitalization, which had elicited concerns regarding his survival.
On Saturday, the Vatican announced that the pope’s health status remained stable and demonstrated progress, consistent with the previous week’s observations, while noting that he still required therapeutic interventions to be conducted within the hospital.
“The Holy Father still requires hospital medical therapy, motor and respiratory physiotherapy; these therapies, at present, are showing further, gradual improvements,” it said.
