Pope sends thanks from his sickbed: "I pray for you too!"

Pope Francis, who is ill, thanked his doctors and carers. During his long stay in hospital, he experienced the care and tenderness of the nursing staff, especially doctors and medical staff, "to whom I give my heartfelt thanks", the Pope said in a written address distributed by the Vatican on Sunday.

Francis also wanted to thank all those who showed him their closeness in prayer: "Thank you all very much! I also pray for you!" He also emphasised his spiritual closeness to the participants of the Vatican Lenten retreat, which he is unable to attend due to his health. These traditional retreats of the Roman Curia begin on Sunday.

Call for peace and "goodbye"

From his sickbed, Francis called for a common prayer for peace, especially for Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon and Myanmar, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The head of 1.4 billion Catholics expressed his concern about the latest escalations in Syria: "I hope that they will end for good with full respect for all ethnic and religious groups in society, especially the civilian population." Francis concluded with the greeting "Have a good Sunday and goodbye!".

Cardinal Michael Czerny, head of the Vatican's Social Welfare Office, was in charge of the planned papal mass on Sunday in St Peter's Square as part of the Holy Year. He read out the sermon prepared for Francis. In it, the head of the Church thanked the volunteers. "I thank you very much, my dears, because you serve your neighbour, following the example of Jesus, without serving your neighbour," said the Pope. "Your commitment on the streets and where people are at home, alongside the sick, the suffering and the imprisoned, the young and the old, gives hope to all of society." In the deserts of poverty and loneliness, it is the many small gestures of selfless service that allow a new humanity to germinate and blossom.

Since 14 February, the Pope has been receiving treatment for complex respiratory infections with bilateral pneumonia at the Gemelli Clinic in Rome. Most recently, there was talk of a "gradual, slight improvement". For just under a week, the condition of the head of the church has remained stable and without any further health crises. However, the doctors treating him remain cautious in their prognosis for the time being. (KNA/gho)