ROME and LONDON – Pope Francis remains “stable,” the Vatican reported on Sunday, as the pontiff continues to receive treatment at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where he has been hospitalized for 17 consecutive days.
In a statement issued by the Vatican press office, it was confirmed that Pope Francis does not require non-invasive mechanical ventilation, though he is receiving high-flow oxygen therapy. The 88-year-old pontiff is not experiencing a fever, the Vatican added.
Pope Francis Participates in Mass and Prayer
Despite his ongoing hospitalization, Pope Francis participated in Holy Mass earlier in the day. The Vatican shared that he alternated periods of rest with moments of prayer, and that he joined in the Mass alongside his medical team who have been caring for him during his stay.
In a prayer shared with followers on Sunday, the pope expressed his gratitude to the medical staff at Gemelli Hospital for their attentive care, saying, “I thank the doctors and nurses for the attention with which they are taking care of me.”
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A Quiet Night and Heartfelt Prayer
The Vatican’s earlier statement confirmed that the pope had a “quiet” night and was resting. From the hospital, Pope Francis shared a touching message with his followers, saying he felt “all your affection, closeness,” and that he felt “as if I am ‘carried’ and supported by all God’s people.”
“I feel in my heart the ‘blessing’ that is hidden within frailty, because it is precisely in these moments that we learn even more to trust in the Lord,” the pontiff wrote in his prayer.
He also expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to connect with those who are suffering, stating, “I thank God for giving me the opportunity to share in body and spirit the condition of so many sick and suffering people.”
Pope Francis’ Health Journey
Pope Francis, who has been leading the Catholic Church since 2013, was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after being diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia. The pontiff’s condition had been stable as of Saturday, following a bronchospasm attack on Friday. Despite his health challenges, Pope Francis remains strong in his faith and continues to inspire his followers with his words and actions.
