Prayers for Pope Francis' Recovery Continue Daily Around the World
Vatican to Decide Discharge Timing with Utmost Caution
Letters are pouring in from around the world to Pope Francis, who is hospitalized for an extended period due to pneumonia.
Antonello Kidicimo, head of the mail sorting center at Rome Fiumicino Airport, told Italy's public broadcaster Rai News on the 16th (local time) that "since the Pope's hospitalization, the number of letters sent to him has surged, reaching an average of 150 kg per day."
According to reports, the sorted mail is sent to the Rome Belsito Center, where it is further subdivided and organized before being finally delivered to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where the Pope is admitted.
Poste Italiane, Italy's postal service company, stated, "Recently, there has been an unusually large number of letters and messages sent to Pope Francis," adding, "This is a deep expression of affection and support from people around the world." They emphasized, "We are doing our best to ensure that all messages of encouragement and prayers are delivered accurately."
Pope Francis has been receiving treatment for pneumonia in a special private room on the 10th floor of Gemelli Hospital since the 14th of last month.
In his Angelus address on the 23rd of last month, the Pope expressed gratitude for the affection and comforting messages sent from around the world, saying, "I was especially moved by the letters and drawings sent by children."
On the 14th, marking one month since his hospitalization, the San Lorenzo team from Buenos Aires, Argentina, the Pope's favorite soccer team, posted a video message on Instagram wishing him a speedy recovery. Additionally, Brazilian soccer star Neymar, Croatia's Ivan Rakiti?, and Italy's Ciro Ferrara also sent messages of support.
Meanwhile, prayers from believers worldwide continue daily at the entrance of Gemelli Hospital, wishing for the Pope's recovery. Although the Pope was once in a critical condition, causing concern, his condition has reportedly improved noticeably in recent days. On the 16th, the Vatican released the first images of the Pope, who has been hospitalized for over a month.
It remains uncertain when the Pope will be discharged. The Vatican stated that, given the Pope's advanced age of 88 and the risk of pneumonia recurrence, they will decide the discharge timing with utmost caution.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
