March 16, (THEWILL) – Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City, has admitted feeling fragile and “facing a period of trial” as he continues treatment for pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
In a message from his hospital room on Sunday, the 88-year-old pontiff, who had part of one of his lungs removed as a young man, thanked well-wishers for their prayers and solidarity.
“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,” he said during his traditional Sunday prayer, which he delivered remotely from the hospital’s 10th floor.
He added, “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, who was rushed to the hospital on February 14 after experiencing breathing difficulties, also expressed gratitude to his medical team.
“How much light shines, in this sense, in hospitals and places of care! How much loving care illuminates the rooms, the corridors, the clinics, the places where the humblest services are performed!” he remarked.
He acknowledged the support of those who have been praying for his recovery, including a group of Catholic scout children who gathered outside the hospital.
“I know that many children are praying for me; some of them came here today to ‘Gemelli’ as a sign of closeness. Thank you, dearest children! The pope loves you and is always waiting to meet you,” he added.
Pope Francis also used the opportunity to call for peace in conflict-ridden nations, offering prayers for Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Sunday marked the fifth time the pope has been unable to personally lead the Angelus prayer, which he typically delivers to crowds in St. Peter’s Square.
However, the Vatican recently signaled that he is out of danger, following concerns about his condition after earlier breathing crises.
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