Pope Francis Continues Hospital Recovery, Misses Angelus for Third Consecutive Week

For the third consecutive week, Pope Francis has been absent from St. Peter's Square, unable to deliver his customary Angelus prayer. The Vatican has released a written message from the Pope, sent from his hospital room in Rome, where he is currently receiving treatment.In the message, Pope Francis expressed gratitude for the prayers and support he has received. “I feel in my heart the ‘blessing’ that is hidden within frailty. In these moments, we learn to trust in the Lord,” he wrote. He also noted the opportunity to empathize with the sick and suffering, stating, “I feel as if I am 'carried' and supported by all God's people. Thank you all!”According to the latest updates from the Vatican, Pope Francis is resting well after a tranquil night in the hospital. On Sunday morning, he woke up, enjoyed coffee for breakfast, continued his therapy, and read the news as he typically does. The Vatican mentioned that he had received two visitors on Sunday—Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin and his deputy, Monsignor Pena Parra—marking the first outside visitors mentioned since the previous Monday, although no details of their discussions were disclosed.Last week, the Pope experienced a second breathing "crisis" that required additional oxygen support, but he was not intubated. By Saturday evening, Vatican officials reported that his condition had stabilized, with no additional breathing crises, and he was alert and eating normally.During his Sunday Angelus, the Pope prayed for peace and expressed concern for those affected by conflict in Ukraine, Palestine, and Israel, remarking, "From here, war appears even more absurd." Traditionally, Sundays see large crowds gather at St. Peter’s Square to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis at a window of the Apostolic Palace, although he chooses to reside at the simpler Santa Marta guest house.