By Seyi Babalola
Pope Francis on Sunday said he is fragile and facing a period of trial as he thanked well-wishers for prayers in a message from hospital, where he has been receiving treatment for pneumonia.
The pope, who has been in the hospital since February 14, issued a personal message to the faithful, which was published by the Vatican, as he once again missed delivering the traditional Angelus prayer in person.
“I am sharing these thoughts with you while I am facing a period of trial, and I join with so many brothers and sisters who are sick: fragile, at this time, like me.
“Our bodies are weak but, even like this, nothing can prevent us from loving, praying, giving ourselves, being for each other, in faith, shining signs of hope,” he said.
According to reports, Sunday marked the seventh occasion that the 88-year-old pontiff’s illness prevented him from personally delivering the Angelus prayer to the multitude assembled in St Peter’s Square following mass.
The Vatican announced last week that the Argentine pontiff was no longer in danger, following a series of respiratory crises early in his hospitalisation that raised concerns for his life.
On Saturday the Vatican said the pope’s condition continued to be stable and showing progress, as it has for the past week, stating that he still needed therapies to be administered within the hospital.
“The Holy Father still requires hospital medical therapy, motor and respiratory physiotherapy; these therapies, at present, are showing further, gradual improvements,” it said.