Pope Francis Faces Health Challenges: A "Period of Trial"

Tue Jul 01 2025 02:50:01 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Pope Francis Faces Health Challenges: A "Period of Trial"

The pontiff expresses gratitude for support as he continues his recovery from pneumonia.


Pope Francis, aged 88, acknowledges his health struggles and reinforces his commitment to his papal duties while calling for prayers for global peace.



Pope Francis shared on Sunday that he is undergoing a "period of trial" as he continues to recover in hospital from pneumonia, having been admitted on February 14. In a heartfelt message to well-wishers, the Argentine pontiff, who has been in hospital for multiple weeks, referenced Biblical passages and emphasized the need for prayer, particularly for nations afflicted by conflict. This Sunday marked the fifth consecutive week that he was absent from delivering his traditional blessing in person, although the Vatican noted improvements, as confirmed by recent X-rays. Nevertheless, he still requires hospitalization for therapy.

"The Holy Father still requires hospital medical therapy, motor and respiratory physiotherapy; these therapies, at present, are showing further, gradual improvements," the Vatican reported on Saturday. Absent from public view since his hospital admission, no images of the Pope have surfaced during his recovery journey. In his statement, Francis stated, "I join with so many brothers and sisters who are sick: fragile, at this time, like me." He urged continued prayers for peace, specifically mentioning nations suffering from war such as Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Since arriving at Rome's Gemelli hospital with double pneumonia and other infections, the Pope has encountered several respiratory crises, raising concerns about his long-term health. Earlier this month, an audio message featuring his breathless voice was played in St. Peter's Square as he expressed gratitude to the faithful for their prayers.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, made history as the first Pope from the Americas. His medical history includes a bout of pleurisy in his youth that resulted in a partial lung removal, leaving him more susceptible to pneumonia. Speculation about a possible resignation, akin to that of his predecessor Benedict XVI, has arisen due to his health challenges. However, friends and biographers assert that he has no intention of stepping down. Despite his ongoing health issues, the Pope continues to engage with his papal duties from the hospital, amidst preparations for 2025, a scheduled Catholic Holy Year that is expected to attract 32 million pilgrims to Rome.

MORE ON THEME

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 05:38:05 GMT

Uncertain Recovery: Tehran Residents Face a Troubled Future

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 05:38:05 GMT
Fri, 27 Jun 2025 21:49:55 GMT

Tehran's Resilience Amidst Conflict: A City on Edge

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 21:49:55 GMT
Fri, 27 Jun 2025 07:12:40 GMT

International Backlash Follows Trump's Controversial Comparison of Iran Strikes to Atomic Bombings

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 07:12:40 GMT
Fri, 27 Jun 2025 06:00:41 GMT

Lalo Schifrin, Legendary Composer of "Mission: Impossible," Passes Away at 93

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 06:00:41 GMT
Thu, 26 Jun 2025 22:45:32 GMT

Tragic Explosion Leads to Death of 29 Students in Central African Republic

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 22:45:32 GMT
Tue, 24 Jun 2025 12:11:00 GMT

Iran's Missile Strike on US Base in Qatar: Escalating Tensions in the Middle East

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 12:11:00 GMT
Mon, 23 Jun 2025 22:56:35 GMT

Trump Calls for Peace Following Iranian Missile Attack on U.S. Base**

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 22:56:35 GMT
Sun, 22 Jun 2025 01:43:58 GMT

U.S. Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites Escalate Tensions in Middle East**

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 01:43:58 GMT
Fri, 20 Jun 2025 17:44:26 GMT

Fatal Food Poisoning Outbreak in Northern France: Butchers Closed Following Child's Death

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 17:44:26 GMT
Fri, 20 Jun 2025 09:52:02 GMT

Israeli Forces Open Fire, Killing 23 Palestinians Near Aid Site in Gaza

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 09:52:02 GMT
Fri, 20 Jun 2025 09:15:48 GMT

Tragic Food Poisoning Outbreak Claims Life of Young Girl in Northern France

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 09:15:48 GMT
Thu, 19 Jun 2025 21:35:15 GMT

Tensions Escalate Between U.S., Israel, and Iran Amid Strikes and Potential Military Actions

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 21:35:15 GMT
Thu, 19 Jun 2025 21:33:47 GMT

Trump Delays U.S. Decision on Military Action Against Iran Amid Ongoing Conflict

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 21:33:47 GMT
Thu, 19 Jun 2025 12:21:00 GMT

**Escalating Conflict: Israeli Prime Minister Vows Retaliation After Iranian Missile Strike on Hospital**

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 12:21:00 GMT
Thu, 19 Jun 2025 12:19:15 GMT

Iranian Missile Strike on Hospital in Israel: An Eyewitness Account

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 12:19:15 GMT
Thu, 19 Jun 2025 11:09:20 GMT

**Escalating Conflict: Israel Strikes Back After Iranian Missile Hits Hospital in Beersheba**

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 11:09:20 GMT
Thu, 19 Jun 2025 11:04:01 GMT

Escalation in Israel-Iran Conflict: Missiles Target Hospitals While Casualties Mount

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 11:04:01 GMT
Thu, 19 Jun 2025 08:25:01 GMT

Escalating Conflict: Iran Launches Missile Strike on Israeli Hospital amid Military Retaliation

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 08:25:01 GMT
Thu, 19 Jun 2025 08:20:42 GMT

**Escalating Tensions: Iran Strikes Israeli Hospital, Prompting Strong Response from Israel**

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 08:20:42 GMT
Thu, 19 Jun 2025 07:36:36 GMT

Iranian Missile Strike on Israeli Hospital Escalates Conflict

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 07:36:36 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.