Pope Francis sends a written message while he is still in the hospital.

On February 12, 2025, in Vatican City, Pope Francis delivers his homily at the Paul VI Hall during the weekly General Audience.

While continuing hospitalization, he reminds deacons that 'rest is also part of the therapy. '

A first-person written message from Pope Francis was shared Sunday as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church continues his hospitalization in Rome.

Pope Francis wrote on X Sunday, "I have recently received many messages of affection, and the letters and drawings from children have particularly struck me." "Thank you for your closeness and the consoling prayers I have received worldwide!"

According to a different post, "I urge you to continue your apostolate with joy and to be a sign of a love that embraces everyone, as the #GospelOfTheDay suggests." "May we transform evil into goodness and build a fraternal world. Do not be afraid to take risks for love!"

The language was similar to part of Pope Francis' longer homily, which Archbishop Rino Fisichella read on his behalf while celebrating the Holy Mass for the Jubilee of Deacons on Sunday.

A copy of the text "prepared by the Holy Father" was made available by the Vatican. "Brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!" the pope's homily began. "This morning, in Saint Peter’s Basilica, the celebration of the Eucharist with the ordination of some candidates to the diaconate was celebrated. I greet them and the participants in the Jubilee of Deacons, which has taken place in the Vatican these days, and I thank the Dicasteries for the Clergy and Evangelization for the preparation of this event."

In February, people who come to pray outside the Gemelli hospital, where Pope Francis is being treated for pneumonia, attach balloons to the statue of John Paul II. 23, 2025.

"To continue your apostolate with joy and—as today’s Gospel suggests—to be a sign of a love that embraces everyone, that transforms evil into goodness and engenders a fraternal world," Pope Francis urged the deacons to do. "Don't be afraid to put love at risk!" the homily continued.

"On my part, I am confidently continuing my hospitalization at the Gemelli Hospital, carrying on with the necessary treatment, and rest is also part of the therapy! I want to express my sincere gratitude to the medical professionals at this hospital for the care they provide to me and their dedication to serving the sick.

Pope Francis added, "Monday will be the third anniversary of the large-scale war against Ukraine: a painful and shameful occasion for the entire humanity!" in the prepared statement. The message continued, "As I reiterate my closeness to the suffering Ukrainian people, I invite you to remember the victims of all armed conflicts and to pray for the gift of peace in Palestine, Israel, throughout the Middle East, Myanmar, Kivu, and Sudan."

The pope continued, "I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children." "In recent days, I have received many messages of affection." "Thank you for this closeness and the prayers of comfort I have received worldwide! I entrust you all to the intercession of Mary, and I ask you to pray for me."

On Sunday, following a respiratory crisis and blood transfusions, the Vatican reported that Pope Francis was conscious but was still receiving high flows of supplemental oxygen. He remains in critical condition with a complex lung infection.

Unlike previous days, the Holy See Press Office did not specify whether Pope Francis was out of bed or eating breakfast in its brief statement early Sunday. "The night passed quietly; the pope rested," it said.

The Vatican later said Francis was conscious, continuing to receive supplemental oxygen, and that further clinical tests were being conducted. A more in-depth medical update was anticipated for later on Sunday. The 88-year-old pope was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on Feb. 14 due to a worsening case of bronchitis.

In celebration of their jubilee, deacons attend a mass in St. Peter's Basilica at The Vatican on Sunday, February 23, 2025, which Pope Francis was supposed to lead after being admitted to Rome's Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic more than a week ago.

On Saturday, doctors said Pope Francis, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, was in critical condition after suffering a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis while being treated for pneumonia and a complex lung infection.

The pope received "high flows" of oxygen to help him breathe through a nasal tube. He also received blood transfusions after tests showed low counts of platelets, which are needed for clotting, the Vatican said in a late update.

The Saturday statement also said that the pontiff "continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair, although in more discomfort than yesterday."

Doctors said the prognosis was "reserved" and that the pope's condition is touch-and-go, given his age, fragility, and pre-existing lung disease. His condition has revived speculation about what might happen if he becomes unconscious or otherwise incapacitated and whether he might resign.