In Rome, children clasping yellow and white balloons gathered outside Gemelli hospital on a recent Sunday to see Pope Francis, as he spent his fifth Sunday hospitalized due to double pneumonia. Despite remaining unseen from the 10th-floor hospital suite, the pope acknowledged the children’s presence and gratitude during the customary Sunday blessing.
Expressing his thanks, the pontiff conveyed through the Angelus text, crafted for the traditional prayer but not broadcasted live, “I know many children are praying for me; some are here today at Gemelli to show their closeness.” He assured them, “Thank you, dearest children! The pope loves you and eagerly awaits our meeting.”
Reverend Enzo Fortunato, president of the pontifical committee for World Children’s Day, which organized this event, referred to this gathering as spiritual solace for the 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church. He described it as the “most beautiful caress,” adding, “The children offer symbolic comfort to Pope Francis. Knowing that these young ones care for him warms his heart.”
A select group, carrying balloons mimicking the colors of the Vatican flag, entered the hospital briefly to leave behind drawings, messages, and flowers for the pope. The children hailed from impoverished areas and war-stricken nations, with some reaching Italy from Afghanistan and Syria through humanitarian corridors facilitated by the Sant’Egidio charity and the Italian government. Others representing Ukraine, Gaza, South America, and Africa were also present.
Anastasia, a 12-year-old from Naples, was eager to deliver her message, having risen at 5 a.m. for the journey. She shared, “I wrote, ‘Pope Francis, get well and return home soon.’ We love you, and all the children pray for you.”
Andrea Iacomini, UNICEF’s spokesman in Italy, observed that the children’s gathering not only expressed affection for the pope but also voiced opposition to conflicts affecting nearly 500 million children across 59 nations. “This pope is more than a spiritual leader; he is a global advocate for peace and the ‘pope of the children,'” Iacomini remarked.
Typically, Pope Francis delivers the Angelus from a window overlooking St. Peter’s Square. However, due to his hospitalization, the faithful who have increased in number because of the Jubilee year inaugurated by Francis, now also make a pilgrimage stop at Gemelli, located just a short train ride from the Vatican.
While the pope’s condition no longer remains in a critical state, due to his age, inability to move much, and historical loss of part of a lung in his youth, doctors maintain that his situation is delicate. Despite this, fewer medical bulletins are being issued as his health gradually improves, marked by an X-ray confirming the infection is resolving.
Absent from the public eye since his hospital admission on February 14 due to bronchitis, Francis’s battle has seen complications, including respiratory distress, minor kidney issues, and severe bouts of coughing. His recovery involves reducing dependency on a nighttime non-invasive ventilation mask as part of comprehensive respiratory therapy, aiming to strengthen lung function.
In the latest medical news, the Vatican relayed that while Pope Francis remains stable, hospitalization and continuous therapy are essential as he gradually progresses. A subsequent update regarding his health is anticipated mid-week.
