Pope Francis Asks for Global Prayers During Hospitalization for Pneumonia

The ongoing health challenges of Pope Francis prompt calls for prayers and reflection on peace amid global conflicts.

Pope Francis has reached out to Catholics worldwide, requesting prayers as he is currently being treated for double pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. For the second consecutive Sunday, the pontiff was unable to personally deliver the traditional Angelus prayer. Instead, he shared a message expressing his hopefulness regarding his treatment and gratitude towards the hospital staff and well-wishers who have sent messages of support.

At 88 years old, the Pope has faced significant health issues in recent years, with his condition reportedly critical, as disclosed by the Vatican. In his Sunday message, he acknowledged numerous messages of affection, particularly appreciating the letters and drawings from children, which he found moving. "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,” he stated.

The Pope's health struggles began on February 14 when he was admitted to the hospital due to difficulty in breathing, compounded by previous respiratory issues stemming from pleurisy and a prior lung surgery in his youth. Over his 12-year pontificate, he has had several hospitalizations, with his last stay in March lasting three nights due to bronchitis.

In response to concerns regarding his health, the Vatican has committed to providing regular updates, although varying tones in the announcements have led to speculation among observers. Most recently, the Vatican reported that while the Pope remains alert and spends time in an armchair, he is still "not out of danger" and is facing complications requiring blood transfusions and high-flow oxygen support.

Medical staff treating the Pope emphasized the gravity of his situation, describing it as a "delicate balance," where any slight change could significantly affect his health. Notably, during his message, the Pope also marked the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine, urging prayers for all victims of armed conflict and advocating for peace in regions such as Palestine, Israel, Myanmar, Kivu, and Sudan.

The Angelus service, typically conveyed by the Pope from his Vatican window, includes a brief message addressing the faithful, further highlighting it's significance in connection with the Pope's ill health during this period.