ROME — Pope Francis recently expressed his reflections on the absurdity of war in a heartfelt letter published on March 18, 2025, as he continues to recover from a complex lung infection and double pneumonia. The letter, signed and dated from Rome's Gemelli hospital where he has been treated since February 14, was published in the Italian daily, Corriere della Sera. The 88-year-old pontiff noted how his illness has brought into sharper focus the devastating impacts of war, stating that “human fragility has the power to make us more lucid about what endures and what passes, what brings life and what kills.”
In his letter to the editor, Pope Francis called upon international organizations and the diplomatic community to find “new vitality and credibility” in their efforts to promote peace. He emphasized the importance of language in shaping human environments, urging media professionals to recognize that “they are facts that shape human environments” and to “disarm words, to disarm minds and disarm the Earth.” This passionate appeal came as a response to the ongoing conflicts affecting humanity and speaks to the pontiff's longstanding advocacy for peace.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State and the pope's top deputy, weighed in on the ongoing speculation surrounding Francis's health and potential resignation. On March 17, he dismissed any suggestions that the pope might step down, stating, “Absolutely no.” Parolin, who visited Francis on March 2, noted that the pontiff appeared to be improving compared to his previous visit on February 25. The cardinal’s remarks were reassuring to many, especially in light of concerns about the pope's health.
The announcement of Francis's improved health comes as the Vatican also shared that he received a standing ovation from the Italian Senate on March 18, during a session where Premier Giorgia Meloni sent her greetings. Meloni conveyed the heartfelt wishes of the Italian people for the pope's swift recovery, stating, “Even in a trying moment, his strength and guidance have been felt.”
Compounding the optimism surrounding the pope’s health is the planned visit from King Charles III, set to take place on April 8, 2025. Despite the pope's current medical challenges, Buckingham Palace confirmed the meeting remains on schedule, subject to the pontiff's health. King Charles wrote to Francis after he was hospitalized in February, and both monarchs are anticipated to celebrate the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee year during the visit.
The king and Queen Consort Camilla will embark on a State Visit to Vatican City and Italy from April 7 to April 10, coinciding with their 20th wedding anniversary. The visit will mark an important moment in Anglo-Catholic relations, with King Charles becoming the first monarch to address the Italian Parliament. During their stay, they are scheduled to participate in a special service in the Sistine Chapel and meet with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, among other activities planned for the trip.
Additionally, the state visit will also include ceremonial events such as laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and attending a State Banquet. A flypast involving the Red Arrows and the Italian aerobatic team, 'Frecce Tricolori', will cap the four-day visit, highlighting the significance of this diplomatic engagement.
The press office of the Holy See reported that the first photograph of Pope Francis taken since his hospitalization was released on March 16, showing him in prayer in his private chapel, which helped reassure the public regarding his health status. The image reflected the pontiff's desire to maintain control over the narrative surrounding his health and his preference to avoid sensationalism.
In contrast to previous papacies, the public response to the image revealed mixed sentiments, with some expressing relief about his evident improvement, while others questioned the authenticity of the release, asking why he had not appeared more publicly during his hospitalization. Questions remain about how the Vatican balances transparency with the need for privacy in the face of the pope's delicate health situation.
As Pope Francis continues his recovery journey, he remains a significant figure not only within the Catholic Church but also in the global discourse on peace and the socio-political issues of our time. His letters and public appearances will undoubtedly remain closely monitored, reflecting both the hopes and concerns of the faithful as well as those who advocate for a more peaceful world.
