Pope Francis Provides Health Update While Hospitalized in Rome
The Vatican shares a message from the Pope who continues his treatment for pneumonia after a month-long hospitalization.
On March 16, the Vatican released a message and a photograph of Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized in Rome since mid-February due to a severe double pneumonia.
The photograph illustrates the Pope attending Mass in the chapel of his hospital apartment at the Gemelli Hospital.
In his message, Pope Francis, aged 88, described himself as "weakened" and expressed solidarity with others facing illness.
He stated, "I am faced with a trial and I join so many brothers and sisters who are sick, fragile, at this moment, like me.
Our bodies are weakened, but even so, nothing can prevent us from loving, praying, giving, being there for one another, in faith, signs of bright hope."
The Pope paid tribute to the healthcare staff, saying, "May loving attentions illuminate the rooms, corridors, clinics, the places where the most humble services are rendered!" He also extended his gratitude to his followers for their prayers and urged them to pray for peace, particularly in war-affected countries, including Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Later that evening, the Vatican shared an image of the Pope at Mass, but notably, he is shown from behind.
Despite gradual improvements in his health, the Vatican indicated that the Pope would remain hospitalized for ongoing treatment.
As of the latest medical report on March 15, Pope Francis has been recovering in Gemelli Hospital since February 14 due to complications from an aggravated bronchitis that led to pneumonia affecting both of his lungs.
While his condition is now classified as stable and no longer life-threatening, he requires continued medical attention, with an unspecified duration of hospitalization ahead.
The Pope has a history of respiratory issues, having undergone the removal of the upper lobe of his right lung at the age of 21. In recent years, he has faced various health challenges.
The photograph illustrates the Pope attending Mass in the chapel of his hospital apartment at the Gemelli Hospital.
In his message, Pope Francis, aged 88, described himself as "weakened" and expressed solidarity with others facing illness.
He stated, "I am faced with a trial and I join so many brothers and sisters who are sick, fragile, at this moment, like me.
Our bodies are weakened, but even so, nothing can prevent us from loving, praying, giving, being there for one another, in faith, signs of bright hope."
The Pope paid tribute to the healthcare staff, saying, "May loving attentions illuminate the rooms, corridors, clinics, the places where the most humble services are rendered!" He also extended his gratitude to his followers for their prayers and urged them to pray for peace, particularly in war-affected countries, including Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Later that evening, the Vatican shared an image of the Pope at Mass, but notably, he is shown from behind.
Despite gradual improvements in his health, the Vatican indicated that the Pope would remain hospitalized for ongoing treatment.
As of the latest medical report on March 15, Pope Francis has been recovering in Gemelli Hospital since February 14 due to complications from an aggravated bronchitis that led to pneumonia affecting both of his lungs.
While his condition is now classified as stable and no longer life-threatening, he requires continued medical attention, with an unspecified duration of hospitalization ahead.
The Pope has a history of respiratory issues, having undergone the removal of the upper lobe of his right lung at the age of 21. In recent years, he has faced various health challenges.
