Pope Francis has suggested that this Lenten season should be regarded as a period of spiritual and physical recovery.
The Vatican on Sunday released the text of Pope Francis’ prepared Angelus prayer for Sunday. Due to his ongoing illness, he was unable to deliver the blessing from the window overlooking St. Peter’s Square for the seventh consecutive Sunday.
Pope Francis stated, “Dearest friends, let us observe this time as an opportunity for healing, especially during this Jubilee year. I am also experiencing this in my soul and body.”
He added, “Therefore, I express my sincere gratitude to all those who, like the Saviour, use their words, knowledge, kindness, and prayers to heal their fellow human beings. We all share the experiences of frailty and illness; however, we are united as brothers through the salvation offered by Christ.”
The Pope then addressed the ongoing conflict in South Sudan, stating that “the war continues to claim innocent victims.”
He urged, “I implore the parties involved in the conflict to prioritize the protection of the lives of their civilian brothers and sisters; and I hope that new negotiations will commence promptly, with the aim of achieving a lasting resolution to the crisis. May the international community enhance its efforts to alleviate the devastating humanitarian situation.”
According to the Holy See Press Office, the 88-year-old Pope is still recovering from a respiratory infection. He is gradually being taken off oxygen support during both day and night, and his blood levels are stable. However, his medical team has mandated a strict two-month convalescence period following his discharge from the hospital last week.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, who oversaw the Pope’s five-week hospitalization, stated on Saturday that Pope Francis has shown “a truly surprising improvement.”
After visiting the Pope at his residence in the Santa Marta Domus on Wednesday, three days after his release from Rome’s Gemelli hospital, Dr. Alfieri said, “I find him very lively. I believe that he will return, if not to 100%, at least to 90% of his previous condition.”
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