VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis, 88, followed Sunday mass and his Angelus prayer on television from a Rome hospital, where he is being treated for bronchitis.
Admitted to Gemelli hospital on Friday, the pope remains in stable condition, the Vatican said.
He received the Eucharist and alternated between reading and resting.
Doctors have prescribed “absolute rest,” preventing him from attending mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, though he sent a written address to artists and cultural figures.
“I would have liked to be among you, but I still need treatment,” Francis wrote.
His homily, read by Cardinal Jose Tolentino de Mendonca, urged cultural figures to “build bridges” in a divided world.
Outside St. Peter’s Square, faithful prayed for his recovery.
“We’re optimistic, he will soon recover,” said metalworker Savino Delicio.
Despite ongoing health issues, including knee pain and reliance on a wheelchair, Francis has no plans to slow down.
With the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year expected to draw 30 million visitors, Vatican officials stress the importance of his recovery.
The pope, who had part of a lung removed as a young man, had asked aides to read his speeches before his hospitalisation.
The Vatican confirmed his condition has improved, with no signs of fever. – AFP
