Pope Says Thanks To Those Who Care For The Sick

Pope Francis has issued a message from his hospital bed thanking medical staff and volunteers for the "miracle of tenderness" that they offer the sick, as he continues his recovery from pneumonia.

- Associated Press

After more than three weeks in hospital, the 88-year-old pontiff is responding well to treatment and has shown a "gradual, slight improvement" in recent days, doctors said.

For the fourth Sunday in a row, Francis did not appear for his weekly noon blessing, but the Vatican distributed the text he would have delivered if he had been well enough.

In it, he thanked all those who were caring for him and others who are ill and experiencing a "night of pain".

"Brothers and sisters, during my prolonged hospitalization here, I too experience the thoughtfulness of service and the tenderness of care, in particular from the doctors and health care workers, whom I thank from the bottom of my heart," read the message issued from Gemelli hospital in Rome.