Pope Francis shares first message since hospitalization and 'critical' health battle

Pope Francis has shared his first public message following his hospitalization and the health troubles that have been plaguing him for the past month. The Pope shared his message on X, addressing Catholics from all over the world and thanking them for their prayers and support through this trying time. 

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"I have recently received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children," wrote the Pope.

"Thank you for your closeness, and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!" 

"I urge you to continue your apostolate with joy and to be a sign of a love that embraces everyone, as the Gospel Of The Day suggests," he wrote in a separate post. 

"May we transform evil into goodness and build a fraternal world. Do not be afraid to take risks for love!"

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Over the past weeks, the Vatican has shared updates regarding the Pope's health. While they claim the Pope remains in good spirits, the most recent update shared that his condition "remains critical" and that he is showing signs of early renal failure. 

"However, he has presented no further respiratory crisis since last night." 

Catholics from all over the world have gathered outside of the hospital where he's interned, praying and sending the Pope their positive thoughts. 

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More details about the Pope's health

Pope Francis was admitted to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome on February 14th, after experiencing some difficulties while breathing. He was diagnosed with pneumonia in both of his lungs, a condition that he's sensitive to following a disease in his youth that resulted in the removal of the top part of one of his lungs. 

The Vatican shared a statement on February 22nd, calling the Pope's condition "critical" for the first time since his hospitalization. 

“The Holy Father continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair although in more pain than yesterday. At the moment the prognosis is reserved,” reads the statement.

© Vatican Pool