In a letter published on Tuesday, Pope Francis reflected on how his recent illness has provided him with a clearer perspective on the futility of war. At the same time, his chief deputy dismissed any rumors of resignation, and Buckingham Palace announced that Britain’s King Charles III is scheduled to meet the Pope soon.
The Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera shared Pope Francis’s thoughts, penned from Rome’s Gemelli hospital. Since February 14, the 88-year-old pontiff has been undergoing treatment for a severe lung infection and double pneumonia. Simple words, he believes, hold great power, stressing their capacity to unite or divide, serve truth, or manipulate reality. His recovery, he wrote, reinforced to him the senselessness of conflict and solidified his call for renewed efforts in diplomacy and international relations.
Responding to a message from the editor-in-chief of the newspaper, Francis urged the media to understand the importance of language and to approach words as tools that shape environments, arguing they should be used to promote peace. He expressed a hope that words could metaphorically disarm mentalities and, subsequently, the world.
The approval of Pope Francis’s condition came alongside comments from Vatican’s No. 2, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who unequivocally denied any discussions about potential resignation when addressing journalists. Parolin has maintained contact with Francis during his hospital stay, noting the Pope’s improving condition.
In another significant gesture of support, the Italian Senate gave Francis a standing ovation following Premier Giorgia Meloni’s statements, wishing the Pope a swift and full recovery. Meloni, the first public figure to visit the Pope in the hospital, emphasized his continued strength and influence even during trying times.
Pope Francis has shown signs of recovery, including periods where he could forego high oxygen levels, using a regular nasal tube instead. He avoided the mechanical ventilation overnight, a promising sign, although the Vatican has not offered a release date. Despite his condition, Buckingham Palace anticipates a meeting with King Charles III on April 8, should the Pope’s health permit.
While such high-profile meetings are carefully coordinated by Parolin’s office, the Vatican’s press operation remains cautious, opting to confirm such events closer to their occurrence.
Amidst these updates, the Vatican released an image showing the Pope in prayer, depicted without any visible medical apparatus, from his private chapel. This followed an audio message recorded by Francis, acknowledging the public’s prayers with a noticeably fatigued voice. This display seemed to ensure followers of a steady recovery, avoiding unnecessary sensationalism over his health.
This approach contrasts with the late St. John Paul II’s public acknowledgment of his own health struggles, which was received with mixed reactions. The new image of Pope Francis was a relief to some, suggesting stability in his condition. However, not all observers were convinced, with some questioning its authenticity given the Pope’s absence from public sight.
While speculation remains, the image offered a sliver of assurance for many, encapsulated by the words of Rev. Enrico Antonio from Pescara, who found comfort in the Pope’s visible recovery.