Pope Francis, who is receiving treatment for pneumonia, expressed his gratitude to the doctors and healthcare workers tending to him as his condition showed signs of improvement, the Vatican announced on Sunday.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been in Rome’s Gemelli hospital since February 14, missed delivering his fourth consecutive Angelus prayer in person.
However, he issued a written message in which he praised those who volunteer to help others, highlighting their “closeness and tenderness.”
“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,” he wrote.
“We need this, the ‘miracle of tenderness’ which accompanies those who are in adversity, bringing a little light into the night of pain.”
The pope, who has undergone multiple hospitalisations in the past, including surgeries in 2021 and 2023, has faced more serious health issues this time, including respiratory crises.
However, the Vatican confirmed on Saturday that he is responding well to treatment and has shown “a gradual, slight improvement” without further crises.
While the pope does not have a fever, doctors are cautious and wish to see more positive results before making a prognosis. The latest update from the Vatican indicates that the pope’s condition remains “stable.”
Pope Francis continued his treatment on Sunday, participating in physiotherapy and breathing exercises.
He also followed spiritual exercises via video link, although the participants could not see him. While he missed his usual Angelus address from the Vatican window, those gathered in St. Peter’s Square expressed their longing for his return, praying for his swift recovery.
In his written Angelus, Francis also called for peace in conflict zones, particularly in Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and expressed concern over renewed violence in Syria.