Pope Francis Asks for Prayers as He Remains Hospitalized for Pneumonia

Pope Francis has urged Catholics to pray for him as he continues treatment for double pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.

For the second consecutive Sunday, the 88-year-old pontiff was unable to deliver the traditional Angelus prayer in person. However, in a message written over recent days and released on Sunday, he expressed confidence in his recovery, stating he is "carrying on with the necessary treatment."

The appeal follows a Vatican update on Saturday describing his condition as “critical.” The Pope also extended gratitude to the hospital’s medical staff and to well-wishers for their support and messages.

Pope Francis Thanks Supporters as Prayers Continue Amid Hospitalization

Pope Francis has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support as he continues treatment for double pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. In a message released Sunday, he said he was deeply moved by the letters and drawings sent by children and the prayers from around the world.

"Thank you for this closeness and for the prayers of comfort I have received," he wrote, entrusting his supporters to the intercession of Mary while asking them to continue praying for him.

Outside the hospital, well-wishers have gathered, lighting candles near a statue of the late Pope John Paul II. The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted on February 14 after experiencing breathing difficulties. His history of lung issues, including pleurisy and the partial removal of a lung at age 21, makes him particularly vulnerable to infections.

Throughout his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis has faced several hospitalizations, including a three-night stay for bronchitis in March 2023.

Vatican Provides Daily Updates as Pope Francis’ Health Remains Fragile

In line with Pope Francis’ request for openness about his health, the Vatican has begun issuing daily updates on his condition. However, the tone and details of these statements have varied, leaving observers to interpret subtle shifts in messaging.

On Saturday, officials reported that the 88-year-old pontiff was alert and spent the day in an armchair but remained “not out of danger” and was “more unwell” than the previous day. He required blood transfusions due to a low platelet count linked to anemia and was receiving a “high flow” of oxygen.

Doctors confirmed that while he is responding to treatment, his condition remains complex and delicate. “He is the Pope,” one doctor remarked, “but he is also a man.”

Despite his illness, Pope Francis used his Sunday message to mark the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine and urged prayers for victims of global conflicts, including in Palestine, Israel, the Middle East, Myanmar, Kivu, and Sudan.

Traditionally, the Angelus prayer is delivered by the Pope from the Apostolic Palace window, but due to his hospitalization, he has been unable to appear in person for the second consecutive Sunday.

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