ROME (Reuters) – Pope Francis, who spent the last two nights at the hospital, apologized for losing a Vatican Mass on Sunday, saying he is still being treated in bronchitis and thanking the care of his doctors.
Francisco, 88, was admitted to a hospital in Rome on Friday with a respiratory tract infection. His doctors ordered him to rest, which prevented him from saying his regular Sunday prayer to the pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square.
“I would like to be among you, but, as you know, I’m here at Gemelli Hospital because I still need some treatment for my bronchitis,” Francisco said in a short written version of the prayer.
“Thanks for the affection, prayer and proximity with which you are accompanying me these days, and would like to thank the doctors and health professionals in this hospital for their care,” he added.
His spokesman told reporters at the Vatican that Francisco slept well, had breakfast and read some newspapers and that his treatment would continue on Sunday.
The cardinal who led the Mass on Sunday, in the absence of Francis, opened the service with a support message.
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“Our first thought goes to Pope Francis. We prayed for his health, thanking the vision and support he always gives us, ”said Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça during the Mass in the Basilica of St. Peter.
Por Joshua Mccelway
