Vatican Releases Photo of Pope Francis in Hospital

Pope Francis's health condition is reported to be stable. On Sunday, he continued his therapy and physiotherapy. How long Francis will have to stay in the hospital is still unclear. The next medical bulletin is expected to be released on Tuesday or Wednesday. The Vatican press office plans to continue providing daily updates on the Pope's health condition in the late afternoon.

Pope Francis Declared During the Angelus Prayer That He Is Experiencing a "Time of Trial"

Pope Francis declared during the Angelus prayer on Sunday that he is experiencing a "time of trial." "I am in a time of trial and am united with many sick brothers and sisters who are as fragile as I am at this moment," the Pope wrote in the Angelus prayer, which, as in previous weeks, was published in written form. The Pope has been in the Roman university clinic "Agostino Gemelli" for over a month. "Our body is weak, but nothing can prevent us from loving, praying, giving ourselves, being shining signs of hope for each other in faith. How much light shines in this sense in hospitals and care facilities! How much loving care illuminates the rooms, the corridors, the practices, the places where the humblest services are rendered! Therefore, today I want to invite you to join me in praising the Lord, who never leaves us and who places people by our side in times of suffering, reflecting a ray of His love," wrote Francis, who is being treated in the hospital for bilateral pneumonia.

Pope Francis Thanked for Prayers for Him

The 88-year-old thanked for the prayers for him. "I thank you all for your prayers, and I thank those who support me with such devotion. I know that many children pray for me; some of them came here to the Gemelli hospital today as a sign of solidarity. I thank you, dear children! The Pope loves you and always looks forward to meeting you," said the Pope. About 300 children from various organizations gathered on the square in front of the clinic on Sunday. They followed an invitation from the Pontifical Committee for World Children's Day. The Argentine called on the faithful to pray for peace. "Let us continue to pray for peace, especially in countries wounded by war: in Ukraine, in Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo," said the Pope.

Pope Francis Called for Prayers for the Church

Francis also called for prayers for the Church. It is called to implement the decisions made in the recent synodal assembly into concrete actions. "I thank the General Secretariat of the Synod, which will accompany the local churches in this commitment over the next three years," explained Francis. Pope Francis approved a new three-year process on Saturday to examine reforms for the worldwide Catholic Church. An "Ecclesial Assembly" (Italian: Assemblea Ecclesiale) will take place in October 2028 in the Vatican. The assembly will be preceded by a preparatory process, Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod, announced in a letter to bishops and patriarchs on Saturday. The convocation of the assembly by the Pope is seen as a sign that the 88-year-old pontiff intends to remain in office despite his frail health. Among the reforms to be discussed during the assembly are the possibility of women serving as Catholic deacons and better inclusion of LGBTQ individuals in the Church. The Synod will now conduct consultations with Catholics worldwide over the next three years before a new summit is held in 2028.

(APA/Red)

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