Even in illness, Pope Francis found joy in relying on God

In a message to an Italian synodal assembly on March 31, the Pontiff said that joy “is God’s gift — let us always remember it”. But “it is not an easy joy, it does not come from convenient solutions to problems, it does not avoid the cross, but it springs from the certainty that the Lord never leaves us alone”.

“I have experienced this myself in hospitalisation, and now in this time of convalescence,” Pope Francis added. “Christian joy is reliance on God in every situation in life.”

On April 1, the Holy See Press Office issued an update about the 88-year-old Pontiff’s continued recovery from double pneumonia and other lung infections.

Pope Francis’ lung infection, mobility and voice continue to improve, the update said, with the Pontiff concelebrating daily Mass every morning and working from his desk. The Pope’s clinical outlook remains “stable”, with a recent chest X-ray showing small improvements in the lung infection.

He continues to receive oxygen support via nasal tubes, including high-flow oxygen at night and as needed, and can go short periods without the tubes.

Pope Francis has received no visitors since his March 23 return to his Vatican apartment in the Santa Marta Guesthouse, where he receives 24-hour assistance from medical personnel.

The Pontiff is expected to spend at least two months recuperating. While the Pope’s engagements with the public are cancelled during his convalescence, he continues to release written texts.

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Pope Francis experienced Christian joy during illness (By Hannah Brockhaus/CNA)