Pope Francis – Credit: Stefano Costantino/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Amid the Vatican’s statement that Pope Francis remains hospitalized in critical condition with respiratory issues, the pontiff returned to social media Sunday to thank the world for its support.
Following Saturday’s news that Pope Francis had an “asthmatic respiratory crisis” that required a blood transfusion, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement Sunday morning, “The night passed quietly, the pope rested.” The Vatican added that the 88-year-old pope remained conscious but in critical condition, and was still receiving supplemental oxygen for his lung infection.
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Despite the health concerns, Pope Francis’ social media still delivered its #GospelOfTheDay Sunday, which was accompanied by a note from His Holiness thanking well-wishers for their prayers.
“I have recently received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children,” the pope wrote. “Thank you for your closeness, and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!”
While Pope Frances was unable to deliver his Sunday Mass at the Vatican — Archbishop Rino Fisichella took his place, and offered a special prayer to the pope, the Associated Press reports — the Holy Father did prepare a message to be read during the noon prayer, saying he was receiving “necessary treatment” at the hospital and that “rest is also part of the therapy!”
On social media, Pope Frances’ account wrote, “I urge you to continue your apostolate with joy and to be a sign of a love that embraces everyone, as the #GospelOfTheDay suggests. May we transform evil into goodness and build a fraternal world. Do not be afraid to take risks for love!”
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