Pope thanks volunteers for 'miracle of tenderness' as another Holy Year event passes without him
Source: AP
By NICOLE WINFIELD and SILVIA STELLACCI
Updated 8:55 PM CDT, March 9, 2025
ROME (AP) — Pope Francis thanked volunteers Sunday for the “miracle of tenderness” they offer the sick, as he continued his treatment for double pneumonia and doctors reported some positive news.
After more than three weeks in the hospital, the 88-year-old pope is responding well to treatment and has shown a “gradual, slight improvement” in recent days.
Francis on Sunday followed the opening day of a weeklong spiritual retreat in the Vatican for Holy See officials by video conference. He could see the officials, but they couldn’t see him in the Gemelli hospital, the Vatican press office said. Francis also participated in Mass at the hospital’s private chapel.
For the fourth consecutive Sunday, Francis didn’t appear for his weekly noon blessing, but the Vatican distributed the text he would have delivered if he were well enough. In it, the Argentine pope thanked all those who were caring for him and others who are sick and experiencing a “night of pain.”
Read more: https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-pneumonia-133951382a4a2ef6c1c8e23fe117a10a