Pope Francis Continues to Miss Angelus Prayer for Third Consecutive Week

Pope Francis has not appeared in St. Peter's Square for three weeks, sending written reflections from his hospital room instead. He expresses gratitude for the prayers and support, updates his health situation, and calls for peace in conflict-ridden regions.

Pope Francis has once again missed his traditional Angelus prayer in St. Peter's Square, marking the third consecutive week of absence as he continues his recovery from health issues. The Vatican has shared written comments from the Pope, relayed from his hospital room in Rome, where he is receiving care. In his message, the Pope expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of prayers and the efforts of his medical team, stating, "I feel the 'blessing' that is hidden within frailty, for it is in these moments we learn to trust the Lord even more."

He conveyed feelings of being enveloped in "affection and closeness" from Catholics worldwide, adding that he felt metaphorically "carried" by the community. Recent updates indicate that the Pope had a restful night and was stable, receiving extra oxygen following a brief breathing crisis earlier in the week. However, he was reported to be alert, eating normally, and had completed therapy.

On Sunday, the Vatican confirmed that visitors, including Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin and Monsignor Pena Parra, had seen him. Despite his physical absence, the Pope still called for peace in his written communications, focusing particularly on the turmoil in Ukraine, Palestine, and Israel, highlighting the absurdity of war from his vantage point.

The absence of the Pope from St. Peter's Square typically draws many visitors hoping to see him at the window of the Apostolic Palace. However, the Pope resides in the simpler surroundings of the Vatican's Santa Marta guest house, which he prefers.