Pope Francis, in a stable condition as he battles pneumonia in hospital for the 17th day, met two Vatican officials on Sunday and offered thanks to well-wishers for their prayers and support in a written message.
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Francis, 88, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 with respiratory problems that degenerated into double pneumonia – a serious infection in both lungs that can inflame and scar them, making it difficult to breathe.
The Vatican said on Saturday evening that the pontiff’s condition had stabilised, following an “isolated” breathing crisis a day earlier.
“I would like to thank you for the prayers,” Francis said in a note released by the Vatican in place of his usual Sunday prayer with pilgrims, which the pope was not able to lead for the third week running.
“I feel all your affection and closeness and … I feel as if I am ‘carried’ and supported by all God’s people,” the message said.
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Francis also met at the hospital on Sunday with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s number-two official, and Parolin’s deputy, said Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni, without giving further details about the meeting.
The pope, who is known to work himself to exhaustion, has continued leading the Vatican during his hospital stay and last met Parolin and the deputy at the Gemelli on February 24.