Pope Francis Asks for Prayers Amid Hospitalization for Double Pneumonia
Pope Francis has urged Catholics worldwide to pray for him as he continues to receive treatment for double pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. This marks the second consecutive Sunday that the 88-year-old pontiff has been unable to deliver the traditional Angelus prayer in person.
In a heartfelt message written over the past few days, Pope Francis expressed his confidence as he undergoes treatment, stating, “I am confidently continuing my hospitalisation and carrying on with the necessary treatment.” This message comes after the Vatican revealed on Saturday that the Pope’s condition is still considered “critical.”
In Sunday’s message, the Pope extended his gratitude to the medical staff at the hospital and to the many well-wishers who have sent him messages of support. “In recent days, I have received many messages of affection and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children,” he noted. “Thank you for this closeness and for the prayers of comfort I have received from all over the world! I entrust you all to the intercession of Mary, and I ask you to pray for me.”
Pope Francis was first admitted to the hospital on February 14 after struggling with breathing difficulties. His history of lung infections including having part of a lung removed at age 21 and developing pleurisy as an adult makes him particularly vulnerable to respiratory issues.
Since becoming Pope 12 years ago, he has been hospitalized multiple times including for bronchitis in March 2023. The Vatican has committed to being transparent about his health providing daily updates. However, the content and tone of these announcements have sparked speculation among observers.
A Saturday update from the Vatican indicated that while the Pope was alert and spent the day in an armchair, he remained “not out of danger” and was, in fact, “more unwell” than the previous day. His medical team confirmed he required blood transfusions due to a low platelet count related to anemia and needed a “high flow” of oxygen for respiratory support. They emphasized the complexity of his condition, noting that even minor changes could disrupt a “delicate balance.” “He is the Pope,” one doctor remarked, “but he is also a man.”
In his Sunday message, the Pope also took a moment to highlight the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine urging prayers for all victims of armed conflict and calling for peace in places such as Palestine, Israel, the Middle East, Myanmar, Kivu and Sudan.
The Angelus prayer is traditionally delivered by the Pope from the window of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican, accompanied by a brief address. As the world holds its breath for his recovery, Pope Francis’s call for prayer underscores the deep connection between faith and healing during difficult times.
