In brief
Despite his absence, he expresses gratitude to the faithful and updates on his recovery progress.
Pope Francis has marked his third consecutive week away from St. Peter's Square, where he traditionally delivers the Angelus prayer. The Vatican has opted to publish his written remarks, sent from Gemelli hospital in Rome, where he is currently receiving treatment. In the letter, the Pope acknowledged the support and prayers he has received, expressing, "I feel in my heart the 'blessing' that is hidden within frailty.” He reflected on how such moments enhance one’s trust in God.In his message, he also conveyed feelings of closeness to Catholics worldwide, stating, “I feel as if I am 'carried' and supported by all God's people. Thank you all!” Following a peaceful night, he was reported to have had breakfast, continued his therapy, and kept up with current events by reading newspapers.On Sunday, the Pope welcomed visitors for the first time in a week, including Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin and his deputy, Monsignor Pena Parra, although details of their discussions remain undisclosed. His recent health updates indicate he is stable following a breathing scare the previous Friday, where he required additional oxygen but avoided intubation. While he has experienced no further crises, his recovery progress appears promising—he is alert and maintains a normal diet.During his Angelus address, he also took a moment to pray for peace, addressing ongoing conflicts in regions such as Ukraine, Palestine, and Israel, asserting that war seems "even more absurd" from his current vantage point. Typically, Sundays are a time when crowds gather in St. Peter's Square to witness the Pope's greeting from his window, but instead, his absence was felt once more, as he opts for the more modest accommodations of the Vatican's Santa Marta guest house instead of the Papal apartment.
