ROME — In a new letter, Pope Francis reflected on his recent illness, describing how it has given him a greater awareness of the senselessness of war. This message was shared amidst plans for an April 8 meeting with King Charles III of Britain and assertions from the Vatican that the 88-year-old pontiff has no plans to resign.
The Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera published the letter, penned by Francis on March 14 from Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where he has been undergoing treatment since February 14 for a serious lung infection. In his letter, the Pope reiterated his appeal for global diplomacy and the revitalization of international organizations, stating his sickness helped clarify the “absurdity of war” for him. “Human fragility enhances our clarity regarding what is lasting and what fades away, what nurtures life and what destroys it,” he wrote.
Addressing the paper’s editor-in-chief Luciano Fontana, Francis encouraged media professionals to recognize the significant impact of words. “Words are more than mere expressions: they shape human environments, can unite or divide, and can convey truth or manipulate it for ulterior purposes,” he emphasized. He urged the need to “disarm words, to disarm minds and disarm the Earth.”
The letter coincided with the Vatican’s announcement of the pope’s slight health improvements, as Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican’s Secretary of State, dismissed any notions of Francis’s resignation. Parolin firmly stated, “Absolutely no,” when questioned by journalists on Monday. Cardinal Parolin has visited Francis twice during his hospital stay, noting improvements during his last visit compared to an earlier one.
Currently, Francis can spend periods without a high flow of oxygen, relying instead on regular supplemental oxygen via a nasal tube, according to the Vatican press office. Doctors are also working to reduce his reliance on a noninvasive mechanical ventilation mask at night, encouraging his lungs to function more independently. Despite these developments, there is no word yet on his discharge date. Nonetheless, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles III is expected to meet with Francis at the Vatican on April 8, suggesting confidence in the pontiff’s recovery schedule.
In a related update, the Vatican released images and details of the first photograph captured of Francis since his hospitalization. The photo, taken on Sunday, shows Francis seated in prayer in his private chapel, seemingly without medical aids. Clad in a purple Lenten stole, the image conveyed to his followers who were on a vigil outside Gemelli hospital that the Pope is actively managing public interest in his health to avoid unnecessary sensationalism.
The snapshot provided reassurance to many who had gathered to pray for his well-being. “Finally, an image that can assure us of his improving health,” commented Rev. Enrico Antonio, a priest from Pescara. At the Vatican, Sister Mary from Kenya expressed her relief, “He looks great, and seeing the image makes me feel assured that the church will continue under his guidance.”
However, not everyone was completely convinced. Benedetta Flagiello of Naples visited Gemelli to see her sister and questioned the authenticity of the photograph. “If the Pope can sit unassisted, why not appear at the window for his followers?” she asked. She compared Francis to John Paul II, who, despite significant health challenges, made public appearances. The image of Francis seated in his chapel prompted varied reactions, underscoring his ongoing role and presence in the Vatican and beyond.
