Pope Francis sends message from hospital bed as he remains in 'critical' condition

Pope Francis has sent a heartfelt message from his hospital bed as he continues to battle double pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.

Pope Francis is currently receiving treatment at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. Credit: Franco Origlia/Getty

While his condition remains "critical", Vatican officials have confirmed that the Pontiff is reportedly stable, eating normally, and has suffered no further health crises in the past 24 hours.

A Fragile Recovery

The 88-year-old Pope - who was admitted to the hospital on February 14 - has now spent over a week receiving high-flow oxygen therapy to support his breathing. Doctors have also administered blood transfusions after tests revealed thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and anemia.

While his condition remains serious, Vatican sources reported on Sunday morning that he had a “tranquil night” and is responding well to treatment, though his prognosis remains guarded.

"The Pope rested well," a Vatican statement read, though officials confirmed he will not be leading Sunday prayers for the second consecutive week.

The Pope's ninth night in hospital was described as "tranquil" by Vatican officials. Credit: Stefano Costantino/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

A Message of Gratitude and Faith

Despite his illness, Pope Francis remains in good spirits and took time to prepare a message for the Sunday Angelus, which was read on his behalf.

"I am confidently continuing my hospitalisation at the Gemelli Hospital, carrying on with the necessary treatment; and rest is also part of the therapy," he said.

"I sincerely thank the doctors and health workers of this hospital for the attention they are showing me and the dedication with which they carry out their service among the sick."

The Pope also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support he has received from across the world.

"In recent days I have received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children," he wrote. "Thank you for this closeness, and for the prayers of comfort I have received from all over the world!"

Concluding his message, he entrusted his followers to the intercession of Mary, asking them to continue praying for him during this challenging time.

Vatican sources confirmed that the message was written during the last few days.

Concerns Over His Health Intensify

On Saturday night, concerns over the Pope’s health deepened after he suffered a “prolonged respiratory crisis”, requiring high-flow oxygen support. Doctors confirmed he is still struggling with severe breathing issues, though he is not on a ventilator.

At a press conference on Friday, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of the Pope’s medical team, and Dr. Luigi Carbone, Vice-Director of the Vatican’s healthcare service, emphasized that while Francis is not in immediate danger of death, his condition is still serious.

Physicians Luigi Carbone and Sergio Alfieri spoke to the press on Friday. Credit: Riccardo De Luca/Anadolu via Getty Images

They also warned of a potential risk of sepsis, should bacteria from his respiratory tract enter his bloodstream.

Despite these risks, Dr. Alfieri said he remains hopeful that the Pope will eventually be discharged, though his chronic respiratory issues will persist.

READ MORE: Prayers from around the globe pour in for Pope Francis

For now, the world watches and prays as Pope Francis continues his fight for recovery—his faith unshaken, and his message of gratitude unwavering.

Featured image credit: Vatican Pool / Getty