“GESTURE OF CLOSENESS”
The pope has suffered a series of health issues in recent years, from colon surgery in 2021 to a hernia operation in 2023, but this is the longest and most serious stay in hospital of his papacy.
During previous stays, he has appeared on the Gemelli balcony for his weekly Sunday Angelus prayer.
But on Sunday he missed for the fourth time delivering the traditional Angelus prayer in person.
He instead issued a written one, in which he thanked his doctors for his care during the more than three weeks that he has been an in-patient.
“I too experience the thoughtfulness of service and the tenderness of care, in particular from the doctors and healthcare workers, whom I thank from the bottom of my heart,” he said.
Pope Francis has not been seen in person since he was admitted, though he released a breathless audio message on Thursday thanking people for their prayers.
Hearing from the pope, however weak he sounded, was hailed a sign of hope by some faithful. Others said it brought home just how long his recovery could take.
The Vatican has issued near daily medical bulletins about Pope Francis’ health, which has experienced incremental improvements marked by occasional setbacks.
Another medical bulletin is expected for Monday afternoon.
Though the pope does not have a fever, his doctors want to see more positive results in days ahead before offering a prognosis.
Catholics continue to gather at the Gemelli to pray for Pope Francis or leave flowers, candles and cards.
On Sunday, about 180 people from dioceses near Milan – most of them young – sat in front of the hospital to recite prayers together.
“We said let’s go to the pope, at the Gemelli, and pray for him. He will not hear us, he will not see us, we won’t see him, but it’s a gesture of closeness,” 32-year-old priest Marco Ferrari told AFP.
