Pope Francis is currently in stable condition and resting as he continues his recovery from double pneumonia. However, he again skipped his regular midday blessing on Sunday to avoid even a brief public appearance.
In return, the Vatican released a message from the Pope thanking the doctors for their care and all those praying for him.
He noted that his stay in the hospital was an experience of deep solidarity with the sick and suffering around the world.
“I feel in my heart the ‘blessing’ that is hidden in weakness, because it is in such moments that we learn to trust the Lord more,” Francis said in his message.
“On the other hand, I express gratitude to God for giving me the opportunity to share in body and soul the condition of numerous sick and suffering people.”
This is the third weekend in a row that Francis has cancelled a planned live Angelus meeting on Sunday. If he were well enough, he could hold it from his 10th-floor room at Gemelli Hospital.
Despite the absence, many signs point to his recovery and improvement.
“The night passed peacefully and the Pope continues to rest,” the Vatican said in an update on Sunday morning.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin and his aide, Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, visited the pope on Sunday, the second time since he was hospitalized last month, according to Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni. He did not provide details, but the visit was a sign that Francis’s condition was stabilizing.
He has no fever or signs of elevated white blood cell counts, which may indicate that his body is successfully fighting the infection.
On Saturday, doctors reported that Francis' condition was stable, not in a critical situation, and again noted continued improvement.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
