Pope Francis has sent a written message from his hospital bed as he remains in a “critical” condition.
“I have recently received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children,” the leader of the Catholic Church said in a statement posted on X Sunday. “Thank you for your closeness, and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!”
“I urge you to continue your apostolate with joy and to be a sign of a love that embraces everyone, as the #GospelOfTheDay suggests,” another post added. “May we transform evil into goodness and build a fraternal world. Do not be afraid to take risks for love!”
The message was similar to a longer homily which was delivered on the Pope’s behalf by Archbishop Rino Fisichella during Sunday’s Mass.
The copy of the text, “prepared by the Holy Father” was released by the Vatican.
“Do not be afraid to risk love!” the homily read. “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.”
The Pontiff, who turned 88 in December, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on 14 February after experiencing breathing difficulties for a number of days. He was initially treated for bronchitis before he was diagnosed with having pneumonia in both lungs. The Vatican said on Sunday that the Pope’s thrombocytopenia – a condition that occurs when the platelet count in the blood is too low – was stable.
According to a Vatican statement released on Sunday, Pope Francis remains in a “critical” condition however “has not presented any further respiratory crises.”
The statement reads:
“The condition of the Holy Father remains critical, but since yesterday evening, he has not experienced any further respiratory crises.
He received two units of concentrated red blood cells with beneficial effects, and his hemoglobin levels have risen.
“The thrombocytopenia remains stable; however, some blood tests show early, mild renal insufficiency, which is currently under control.
“High-flow oxygen therapy continues through nasal cannulas. The Holy Father remains alert and well-oriented.
“The complexity of the clinical situation and the necessary time for the pharmacological treatments to show results require that the prognosis remain guarded.
“This morning, in the apartment on the tenth floor, he participated in the Holy Mass, together with those who have been taking care of him during these days of hospitalisation.”