Hospitalised Pope Francis Expresses Gratitude to Health Workers

Rome: Pope Francis thanked the health workers treating him at Rome’s Gemelli hospital in his Angelus message on Sunday, while reiterating his call for peace in the world’s war zones.

According to Ansa News Agency, as on previous Sundays since the pope was admitted to hospital on February 14, the Angelus was released by the Vatican without Francis reading it out. On Saturday, the Vatican announced in its latest medical bulletin that the condition of the 88-year-old Argentine pontiff, who is being treated for bilateral pneumonia, has slightly improved.

“Brothers and sisters, during my prolonged hospitalization here, I too experience the thoughtfulness of service and the tenderness of care, in particular from the doctors and healthcare workers, whom I thank from the bottom of my heart,” the Angelus message read. “And while I am here, I think of the many people who in various ways are close to the sick, and who are for them a sign of the Lord’s presence.”

The pope emphasized the importance of what he termed the “miracle of tenderness,” which brings comfort to those in adversity. He also extended his gratitude to those praying for his recovery, while urging continued prayers for peace in conflict-ridden regions such as Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He expressed particular concern over renewed violence in parts of Syria, hoping for a cessation that respects all societal components, especially civilians.

Earlier on Sunday, the Vatican Press Office reported that the pope had another quiet night in the hospital. His treatment includes pharmacological therapies and respiratory and motor physiotherapy. He alternates between non-invasive mechanical ventilation at night and high-flow oxygen therapy during the day via nasal cannula.

The Vatican also noted that Pope Francis received a visit from Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and the Substitute for General Affairs Monsignor Edgar Pena Parra on Sunday. “The pontiff meets with them regularly during the week and is also incorporating these meetings into his stay at Gemelli,” the Vatican Press Office stated. “It is an opportunity to update the pontiff on the situation of the Church and the world. Today’s reference to the situation in Syria by the pope in the Angelus should be noted, and surely this will also have been discussed.”