Pope Francis, who was hospitalized with pneumonia, has conveyed a message from his hospital bed stating that the war in Ukraine is a painful and shameful issue.
According to Vatican News on the 23rd (local time), the Pope mentioned in his Angelus address released that day, “Tomorrow marks the third anniversary of the full-scale war in Ukraine,” and described it as “a painful and shameful event for all humanity.”
The Pope expressed solidarity with the people of Ukraine who have suffered and urged others to remember and pray for the victims of all armed conflicts, including those in Palestine, Israel, the Middle East, Myanmar, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
He thanked the world for the love and comforting messages sent to him, stating that he was particularly moved by the letters and drawings from children.
The 88-year-old Pope had been suffering from bronchitis since earlier this month and was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on the 14th. He has been diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs and is currently receiving treatment.
The Vatican stated the previous afternoon that “the Pope’s condition remains critical” and “as explained yesterday, the Pope has not yet escaped danger.”