Lenten Campaign 2025
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Pope Francis has been in the hospital for more than three weeks, but the last several days have been stable. Consequently, the Vatican has lessened the frequency of medical updates, but on Saturday evening, reported a "gradual, mild improvement." Nevertheless, the "doctors prudently maintain that the prognosis is still guarded." Sunday morning, the Vatican informed that the Pope had rested well.
This March 9, as on previous Sundays, the Vatican released the text of the Pope's reflection for the midday Angelus. Since his hospitalization on February 14, he has yet to publicly lead the Angelus prayer, not even from the hospital balcony as he has done during other stays.
Miracle of tenderness
In his Angelus reflection, the Pope noted that we've begun Lent and invited the faithful:
"Let us commit ourselves to making it a time of purification and spiritual renewal, a path of growth in faith, hope, and charity."
He also noted this week's Jubilee events in honor of volunteers. (Photos below.) He said that volunteering is a "sign of hope" in a world too enslaved to the logic of markets and profit. Volunteering "bears witness to the primacy of gratuitousness, solidarity, and service to those most in need."
In that context, he noted the service of the doctors and medical personnel, thanking those who have been taking care of him.
"While I am here, I think of the many people who in various ways are close to the sick, and who are for them a sign of the Lord’s presence. We need this, the 'miracle of tenderness' which accompanies those who are in adversity, bringing a little light into the night of pain."
Pope Francis thanked everyone for all their prayers in this time of illness and assured, "I pray for you too!"
Syria conflict
And finally -- as he almost always does -- he urged prayers for peace, noting Syria in particular. Reports from that county say that some 1,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed in fighting this week between forces of the new government and remnants of the ousted regime.
Together let us continue to invoke the gift of peace, in particular in tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In particular, I have learned with concern of the resumption of violence in some areas of Syria: I hope that they cease definitively, with full respect for all ethnic and religious components of society, especially civilians.
Saturday evening medical report
There is therefore a gradual, mild improvement.
The Holy Father has been without a fever at all times. Breathing gas exchange has improved; results from blood chemistry and blood count examinations are stable.
In order to monitor these initial improvements also in the coming days, the doctors prudently maintain that the prognosis is still guarded.
This morning, after receiving the Eucharist, the Holy Father prayed in the chapel of the private apartment, while in the afternoon he alternated between rest and work activities.
Follow the Pope's health updates here.
