Pope Francis Thanks the World for Our Prayers

Pope Francis, who is in critical condition with a complex lung infection, offered his thanks for the “many messages of affection” he has received since he was hospitalized earlier this month.

“I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children,” the pope’s official account on X shared on Sunday. “Thank you for your closeness, and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!”

The 88-year-old’s message came hours after the Vatican offered a brief update on the pope’s condition.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni’s one-line statement early Sunday didn’t mention if Francis was out of bed or eating breakfast. “The night passed quietly, the pope rested,” Bruni said.