Pope Francis, currently hospitalized in Rome, shared a personal message on Sunday.
“I’ve been deeply touched by the outpouring of affection, especially the letters and drawings from children,” Pope Francis wrote on X. “Thank you for your support and comforting prayers from around the world!”
Another post urged followers to “continue your work with joy and be a symbol of all-embracing love, as the #GospelOfTheDay suggests.” The post added, “Let’s turn evil into good and create a world of brotherhood. Don’t be afraid to take risks for love!”
The language echoed sentiments from Pope Francis’ homily, delivered on his behalf by Archbishop Rino Fisichella during the Jubilee of Deacons on Sunday.
The Vatican released the prepared text of the homily, “prepared by the Holy Father.”
“Brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!” the homily began. “This morning, in Saint Peter’s Basilica, the celebration of the Eucharist with the Ordination of some candidates to the diaconate was celebrated. I greet them and the participants in the Jubilee of Deacons, which has taken place in the Vatican in these days; and I thank the Dicasteries for the Clergy and for Evangelization for the preparation of this event.”
Pope Francis encouraged the deacons to “continue your apostolate with joy and – as today’s Gospel suggests – to be a sign of a love that embraces everyone, that transforms evil into goodness and engenders a fraternal world.”
“Do not be afraid to risk love!” the homily continued. “On my part, I am confidently continuing my hospitalization at the Gemelli Hospital, carrying on with the necessary treatment; and rest is also part of the therapy! I sincerely thank the doctors and health workers of this hospital for the attention they are showing me and the dedication with which they carry out their service among the sick.”
In his pre-written message, Pope Francis noted that Monday “will mark three years since the start of the large-scale war against Ukraine: a painful and shameful event for humanity!”
“As I reaffirm my solidarity with the suffering Ukrainian people, I ask you to remember the victims of all armed conflicts and pray for peace in Palestine, Israel, the Middle East, Myanmar, Kivu, and Sudan,” the message stated.
“In recent days, I have received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children,” the pope added. “Thank you for this closeness, and for the prayers of comfort I have received from all over the world! I entrust you all to the intercession of Mary, and I ask you to pray for me.”
According to the Vatican, Pope Francis was conscious but still required high levels of supplemental oxygen on Sunday, following a respiratory crisis and blood transfusions. He remains in serious condition with a complex lung infection.
The Holy See Press Office’s brief statement early Sunday did not include information about whether Pope Francis was out of bed or eating breakfast, as had been reported in previous updates.
“The night passed quietly, the pope rested,” the statement read.
Francis was conscious, continuing to receive supplemental oxygen, and undergoing further clinical tests. A more comprehensive medical update was expected later on Sunday.
The 88-year-old Pope was hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 due to worsening bronchitis.
On Saturday, doctors reported that Pope Francis, who had undergone the removal of part of one lung in his youth, was in critical condition after experiencing a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis while being treated for pneumonia and a complex lung infection.
The Saturday statement also indicated that the Pontiff “continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair although in more discomfort than yesterday.” Doctors described the prognosis as “reserved,” noting that the Pope’s condition remained precarious given his age, frailty, and pre-existing lung disease. His condition has reignited speculation about potential scenarios should he become unconscious or incapacitated, including the possibility of resignation.
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