Pope Francis in message says ‘facing period of trial’, body ‘weak’
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Pilgrims pose with a wooden cross at St Peter's Square at the Vatican.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis said on March 16 he was fragile and “facing a period of trial”, as he thanked well-wishers for prayers in a message from hospital, where he is slowly recovering from pneumonia.
“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 wrote in an Angelus message published by the Vatican.
“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,” he added.
March 16 marked the fifth time the Pope’s condition has prevented him from personally giving the Angelus prayer, which he usually delivers to the crowd gathered at St Peter’s Square following mass.
Last week, the Vatican said Pope Francis was out of danger
On March 15, the Vatican said his condition continued to be stable and showing progress, as it has for the past week, but cautioned he still needed therapies to be administered within the hospital.
“The Holy Father still requires hospital medical therapy, motor and respiratory physiotherapy. These therapies, at present, are showing further, gradual improvements,” it said.
That message appeared to quash speculation that the Pope’s progress could signal an imminent release from hospital.
In his March 16 message – which also called for peace in war-torn countries – Pope Francis once again thanked his caretakers and those who have been praying for him.
“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 said.
Pope Francis is being cared for on the 10th floor of the hospital, home to a special papal suite, including a chapel.
At the entrance of the hospital early on March 16, dozens of children from a Catholic scout group called out “Pope Francis, Pope Francis”, as they held yellow and white balloons.
“I know that many children are praying for me; some of them came here today to ‘Gemelli’ as a sign of closeness,” Francis wrote in his message.
“Thank you, dearest children! The Pope loves you and is always waiting to meet you.” AFP
