For the third week in a row, Pope Francis is unable to say his traditional Angelus prayer in person, with the Vatican publishing his written comments instead.
The Vatican said the text, sent from his hospital room in Rome, was written “over the past few days”. In it, the Pope thanked the people for their prayers and his medical team for their care.
In my heart, I feel the ‘blessing’ that is hidden in weakness, because it is precisely in those moments that we learn to trust in the Lord even more – he wrote, the BBC reports.
“At the same time, I thank God for giving me the opportunity to share with body and spirit the condition of so many sick and suffering people,” he stated.
The Pope told Catholics around the world that he feels their “affection and closeness”.
“I feel as if I am being ‘carried’ and supported by all God’s people. Thanks everyone!,” reads the text.
The latest report from the Vatican said Pope Francis was resting after a “peaceful” night.
On Sunday morning, it was reported, “the Pope woke up, had breakfast with coffee, continued his therapy and read the newspaper as he usually does.”
The Pope received two visitors at Gemelli Hospital on Sunday – the first outside visitors the Vatican has mentioned since last Monday.
Once again, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin and his deputy, Monsignor Pena Parra, saw Pope Francis in his hospital room on the 10th floor. There are no details on how much time they spent with him or what was discussed.
The pope experienced a second respiratory “crisis” on Friday, after which he received additional oxygen support but was not intubated.
As of Saturday night, the Vatican described his condition as stable, with no fever and no further “crises” with breathing. He was said to be “awake” and eating normally.
