Pope Francis thanked the health
workers treating him at Rome's Gemelli hospital in his Angelus
message on Sunday, while reiterating his call for peace in the
world's war zones.
As on previous Sundays since the pope was admitted to hospital
on February 14, the Angelus was released by the Vatican without
Francis reading it out.
On Saturday, the Vatican said in its latest medical bulletin
that the condition of 88-year-old Argentine pontiff, who is
being treated for bilateral pneumonia, has improved slightly.
"Brothers and sisters, during my prolonged hospitalization here,
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,"
the Angelus message read.
"And while I am here, I think of the many people who in various
ways are close to the sick, and who are for them a sign of the
Lord's presence.
"We need this, the 'miracle of tenderness', which accompanies
those who are in adversity, bringing a little light into the
night of pain.
"I would like to thank all those who are showing their closeness
to me in prayer: heartfelt thanks to you all! I pray for you
too...
"Together let us continue to invoke the gift of peace, in
particular in tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon,
Myanmar, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
"In particular, I have learned with concern of the resumption of
violence in some areas of Syria: I hope that they cease
definitively, with full respect for all ethnic and religious
components of society, especially civilians".
Earlier on Sunday the Vatican Press Office said the pope had
another quiet night in hospital.
It said that he continued pharmacological treatments and
respiratory and motor physiotherapy on Sunday.
It said that he alternates between non-invasive mechanical
ventilation at night and high-flow oxygen therapy during the day
via nasal cannula.
The Vatican also said that the pope received a visit from the
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and the
Substitute for General Affairs Monsignor Edgar Pena Parra on
Sunday.
"The pontiff meets with them regularly during the week and is
also incorporating these meetings into his stay at Gemelli," the
Vatican Press Office said.
"It is an opportunity to update the pontiff on the situation of
the Church and the world.
"Today's reference to the situation in Syria by the pope in the
Angelus should be noted, and surely this will also have been
discussed".
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