Pope Francis asks for prayers amid critical health condition

Pope Francis has asked Catholics to pray for him as he continues treatment for double pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The 88-year-old pontiff was unable to deliver the traditional Angelus prayer in person for the second consecutive Sunday but sent a written message expressing confidence in his recovery and gratitude for the support he has received.

The Vatican announced on Saturday that his condition remains critical. Doctors say he requires blood transfusions due to low platelet levels and needs a high flow of oxygen. While responding to treatment, his condition is delicate, and even minor changes could affect his recovery.

The Pope, who was first admitted on February 14 after experiencing breathing difficulties, is especially vulnerable to lung infections due to a past pleurisy diagnosis and a partial lung removal at age 21. Throughout his 12-year papacy, he has been hospitalized multiple times, including for bronchitis in 2023.

In his Sunday message, he thanked medical staff and well-wishers, particularly children who sent him drawings. He also called for prayers for global conflicts, marking the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine and urging peace in Palestine, Israel, Myanmar, Kivu, and Sudan.