ROME — Pope Francis thanked volunteers Sunday for the “miracle of tenderness’’ they offer the sick, as he continued his treatment for double pneumonia and doctors reported some positive news.
After more than three weeks in the hospital, the 88-year-old pope is responding well to treatment and has shown a gradual, slight improvement in recent days.
Francis followed the opening day of a weeklong retreat for Holy See officials by video on Sunday. For the fourth consecutive Sunday, Francis didn’t appear for his weekly blessing, but the Vatican released the text he would’ve delivered.
“Brothers and sisters, during my prolonged hospitalization here, I too experience the thoughtfulness of service and the tenderness of care, in particular from the doctors and health care workers, whom I thank from the bottom of my heart,’’ the message said. “And while I am here, I think of the many people who in various ways are close to the sick, and who are for them a sign of the Lord’s presence. We need this, the ‘miracle of tenderness’ which accompanies those who are in adversity, bringing a little light into the night of pain.’’
ASSOCIATED PRESS
