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Pope Francis Calls for Peace Amid Hospital Recovery
VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis has issued a heartfelt plea for an end to warfare, advocating for thoughtful consideration in a letter released by Italy’s leading newspaper on March 14, while he recuperates from pneumonia in a hospital setting.
In his message, the 88-year-old pontiff highlighted the significance of responsible journalism, urging the media to understand the weight that words carry. "Words are never merely words; they are actions that shape our environments. They have the power to unite or divide, uphold truth or manipulate it," he stressed in the letter, which graced the newspaper’s front page.
"We need to disarm our language, to disarm our minds and ultimately, to disarm our planet. There is an urgent need for contemplation, tranquility, and a recognition of complexity,” he stated.
Francis pointed out that war wreaks havoc on communities and the environment without resolving conflicts, emphasizing the need for renewed and credible diplomacy and international cooperation. “In moments like these, when I’m unwell, the absurdity of war becomes even more evident,” he reflected.
He expressed gratitude to Luciano Fontana, the director of Corriere della Sera, for sharing his platform, noting that during his illness, the fragility of human existence has illuminated what truly matters in life. “Our vulnerability can clarify the distinctions between what endures and what fades, what enhances life and what threatens it,” he commented.
The pope reiterated that achieving peace demands dedication, effort, and a balance of silence and dialogue.
Since being hospitalized for the fourth time during his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis has been recovering on the 10th floor of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since February 14. His health situation is now stable following a concerning period marked by breathing difficulties that raised alarms about his wellbeing.
Recently, the Vatican reported that he is able to breathe independently for short durations. In the past fortnight, he has been using a mixture of an oxygen mask at night and a nasal cannula during the day. He has now commenced using a lower flow of oxygen in the daytime.
While undergoing treatment, Pope Francis continues to work as he is able, alternating his time between rest and prayer.
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