The Archbishop of Chicago asks believers of all faiths to remember Pope Francis in their prayers as he recovers from a pulmonary infection in hospital. The Pope’s health is improving after he was taken to hospital yesterday, the Vatican has confirmed.
He was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on Wednesday, for what was initially said to be a scheduled check-up.
In a statement on Thursday, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said treatment for the 86-year-old pontiff was continuing.
“His Holiness Pope Francis rested well during the night,” he said.
“This morning after breakfast, he read some newspapers and resumed work.”
He added that he then went to the chapel of the hospital, where he prayed and received the Eucharist.
As Pope Francis continues medical treatment for his pulmonary infection in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago has asked people of all faiths to keep the Pope in their prayers.
“When you go to bed tonight, remember the Pope and say a prayer. And that’s for people of all faiths, because I know that he is respected and loved by so many people throughout the world,” the U.S. Cardinal said.
According to a Holy See Press Office statement released Thursday , his health is improving as he undergoes treatment .
“He’s a very stubborn individual and he is going to do everything possible to show up,” Cardinal Cupich, who is one of Pope Francis’ key advisors, said. “He’s a person who has showed up, is showing up his whole life and he’s going to do that now. So, I think, don’t count him out.”
In a tweet posted on Thursday Pope Francis said he is touched by the many messages pouring from around the worlds and expressed his gratitude “for the closeness and prayers” reaching him.
Credit: BBC, VATICAN NEWS