In Rome, a picturesque gathering outside Gemelli Hospital saw children carrying yellow and white balloons converge on a significant weekend. The occasion marked the fifth Sunday of Pope Francis’s hospitalization due to double pneumonia. Instead of his usual appearance from the hospital’s tenth-floor windows, the Pope sent warmth and gratitude during the customary Sunday blessing.
Pope Francis expressed, “I know that many children are praying for me; some of them came here today to Gemelli as a sign of closeness.” Although the message was part of the Angelus text crafted for the traditional prayer, it wasn’t delivered live. He continued with affection, “Thank you, dearest children! The pope loves you and is always waiting to meet you.”
Rev. Fortunato, who leads the pontifical committee for World Children’s Day and coordinated the event, described the gathering as a form of spiritual elixir for the 88-year-old pontiff, calling it “the most beautiful caress.” “The children represent symbolic medicine for Pope Francis,” he stated. “Knowing that so many children are here for him cheers the heart.”
A select few children, holding balloons depicting the colors of the Vatican flag, entered the hospital briefly to leave drawings, messages, and flowers for the Pope. The children came from diverse backgrounds, including underprivileged areas of Italy and countries suffering from conflict. Participants included those arriving in Italy from Afghanistan and Syria through humanitarian corridors managed by the Sant’Egidio charity in partnership with the Italian government; others hailed from Ukraine, Gaza, South America, and Africa.
One child, Anastasia, aged 12, made an early start from Naples with high hopes of passing on her message in person. She shared, “I wrote, ‘Pope Francis, get well and return home soon.’” She added, “‘We love you, all of the children are praying for you.’” Andrea Iacomini, UNICEF spokesperson in Italy, mentioned that besides showing love for the Pope, the group aimed to strongly declare “enough” to wars affecting 500 million children across 59 nations. “This pope is not just a religious leader; he is a great global leader. A man of peace. This pope is a pope of the children,” Iacomini elaborated.
Typically, Pope Francis delivers the Angelus from a window overlooking St. Peter’s Square, to a gathering of devoted souls, growing more numerous with the Jubilee year he began in December. In his written message, the Pope reflected on others who, like himself, are in vulnerable states. “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 noted.
Despite the optimistic outlook, the Vatican released that Pope Francis is no longer in a critical or life-threatening condition, but his health remains complex due to his elder age, restricted mobility, and part lung loss in his youth. Pilgrims visiting the Vatican have included the hospital as a part of their itinerary along with St. Peter’s for indulgence through the Holy Door.
Doctors this week confirmed that the Pope’s infection is on the mend, illustrated by an X-ray. Although his recovery trajectory has been positive recently, initial weeks were tumultuous with respiratory struggles and minor kidney complications. Aiming for better lung function at night, doctors have gradually reduced his dependency on a non-invasive ventilation mask. The Pope continues to receive necessary treatment in the hospital, along with physical and respiratory therapy, with visible steady improvements. The next health bulletin is scheduled for release midweek.
