Pope asks for prayers in message from hospital

Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, has recently requested prayers from Catholics around the world as he continues to receive treatment for double pneumonia in a hospital in Rome. The Pope, who is 88 years old, has been unable to deliver the traditional Angelus prayer in person for the second consecutive Sunday. In a heartfelt message he shared over the past few days, he expressed that he is 'confidently continuing' his hospital stay at the Gemelli Hospital and is 'carrying on with the necessary treatment. ' This message was released on a Sunday, and in it, the Pope took a moment to thank the dedicated doctors and health workers who are caring for him, as well as the many well-wishers who have sent messages of support. He noted, 'In recent days I have received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children. ' The Pope expressed his gratitude, saying, '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. ' Outside the hospital, many supporters have gathered to pray for the Pope's recovery. They have been seen lighting candles and placing them at the foot of a statue of the late Pope John Paul II, demonstrating their love and concern for the Pope during this challenging time. The Pope's health has been a topic of concern, especially after he experienced breathing difficulties that led to his hospitalization. He has a history of lung issues, including having part of one lung removed when he was younger, which makes him more susceptible to infections. Throughout his 12 years as the leader of the Catholic Church, he has been hospitalized several times, including a recent stay in March 2023 for bronchitis. The Vatican has been transparent about the Pope's health, providing daily updates. The tone of these announcements has varied, sometimes leaving observers to interpret the underlying messages. On Saturday, the Vatican reported that the Pope was alert and spent the day in an armchair, but they also cautioned that he was 'not out of danger' and was 'more unwell' than the previous day. They mentioned that he required blood transfusions due to a low platelet count, which is linked to anemia, and that he needed a 'high flow' of oxygen. Doctors treating the Pope confirmed that he was responding to medication, but they also noted that his condition is complex and that even minor changes could disrupt what they described as a 'delicate balance. ' One doctor remarked, 'He is the Pope, but he is also a man. ' In addition to discussing his health, the Pope used his message to highlight the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine, calling on people to remember all victims of armed conflict and to 'pray for the gift of peace in Palestine, Israel, and throughout the Middle East, Myanmar, Kivu, and Sudan. ' The Angelus prayer is typically delivered by the Pope from a window of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican, accompanied by a brief message. The Pope's absence from this tradition has been felt by many, but his messages continue to inspire hope and prayer among his followers.