Pope Francis was not able to deliver his traditional Angelus blessing for the fourth straight week on Sunday, as he remained at a hospital in Rome.
Francis, 88, has been hospitalized since Feb. 14 with a series of breathing problems. He issued a statement thanking volunteers throughout the world for the “miracle of tenderness.”
“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,” he wrote. “We need this, the ‘miracle of tenderness’ which accompanies those who are in adversity, bringing a little light into the night of pain.”
Though Francis was first hospitalized for a bout of bronchitis he later developed pneumonia in both lungs and has suffered through multiple respiratory crises.
However the pope’s condition improved slightly throughout last week. Doctors said Saturday he had no fever and his oxygen levels were good.
A nun prays for Pope Francis in front of the Gemelli hospital in Rome on Sunday. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
While hospitalized, Francis has missed several events commemorating Holy Year in the Vatican, a celebration that occurs once every 25 years. On Sunday, the church held the Mass for the Jubilee of the World of Volunteers. Cardinal Michael Czerny led the Mass in the pope’s place.
“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 health care workers, whom I thank from the bottom of my heart,” Francis said in his own message.
Additionally, the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and chief of staff, Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra, visited Francis in the hospital on Sunday to update him on governing affairs.