Pope Francis has expressed gratitude for the support and prayers received from the faithful as he recovers from pneumonia.
In a message shared by the Vatican, the 88-year-old pope acknowledged the solace and strength provided by his people, stating that he feels a deep sense of unity with those who are sick or in distress worldwide. He also expressed appreciation for the dedicated care of his medical team.
Pope Francis described the experience of his illness as a profound moment of solidarity, even as he continues to recuperate. He conveyed a sense of divine providence, believing that frailty is a part of life that teaches us to rely more deeply on God’s guidance.
“I find the ‘blessing’ hidden within fragility, which inspires us to place evermore faith in the Lord,” Francis said. “Additionally, I am thankful for the opportunity to share in the sufferings of many faced with illness and hardship.”
“My gratitude extends to everyone for their prayers, which reach the Lord from the hearts of so many faithful across the world; your love and companionship are palpable, and at this time, I feel carried by the collective strength of God’s people.”
People praying for Pope Francis at the statue of the late Pope John Paul II outside Gemelli hospital. Pics: Reuters
The pope’s weekend prayers and public appearances were cancelled for the third time as he continues his recovery.
The Vatican reported on Sunday morning that the pope had a quiet night and was feeling better. He neither had a fever nor signs of infection, which suggests his body is no longer fighting the illness.
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Behind the scenes at the Vatican
Pope had breakfast and coffee – source
A Vatican source confirmed that the pope woke up, enjoyed breakfast and coffee, and even read the newspaper on Sunday morning.
He acknowledged that the pontiff still requires assistance when moving around, such as from his hospital suite to his private chapel.
He met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin and his chief of staff, Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra, for the second time since his hospitalization.
Pic: Reuters
Pontiff in good spirits
On Saturday evening, Vatican sources reported that the 88-year-old was switching between high flow oxygen via nasal cannulas and a ventilation mask.
They noted that he was in good spirits and his condition had improved somewhat from Friday, when he experienced an “isolated” breathing crisis.
Earlier, the Vatican underscored that the pope was not out of danger and his clinical condition was as serious as when his health crisis began two weeks prior.
When asked if the pope underwent invasive treatment during Friday’s crisis, a Vatican source responded that it was possible.
