close Pope Francis says children suffering from war are the ‘Jesuses of today’ in Christmas blessing Video

Pope Francis says children suffering from war are the ‘Jesuses of today’ in Christmas blessing

Retired Navy SEAL Mike Sarraille responds to Pope Francis’ Christmas message calling for peace during on ‘FOX & Friends.’

Join Fox News for access to this content Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account – free of charge. Please enter a valid email address. By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News’ Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive. To access the content, check your email and follow the instructions provided. Having trouble? Click here.

Pope Francis was briefly hospitalized in Rome on Wednesday after suffering from flu symptoms for a number of days.

The Holy See said the short visit was for diagnostic tests and is back at the Vatican. The pope had canceled appearances on both Saturday and Monday due to his flu symptoms, but he did make the traditional Sunday blessing.

Francis, 86, could be heard coughing repeatedly during Ash Wednesday services earlier this month.

The pope has had a number of health issues in recent years, including having a piece of his colon removed in 2021 due to intestinal inflammation. He has been regularly using a cane and a wheelchair for nearly a year.

HOW A TRADITION DURING LENT LED TO THE CREATION OF THE FILET-O-FISH

Pope Francis in a wheelchair

Pope Francis was briefly hospitalized in Rome on Wednesday after suffering from flu symptoms for a number of days. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Francis came down with another respiratory illness late last year, saying in November that he had been diagnosed with “acute infectious bronchitis.” He was placed on antibiotics to fight off the infection.

This week’s hospitalization comes roughly two months after Francis approved Catholic priests to offer blessings to same-sex couples. The Vatican clarified that such blessings were not an approval of same-sex marriage, however.

POPE FRANCIS ALLOWS PRIESTS TO BLESS SAME-SEX COUPLES

Pope Francis hospital

Pope Francis visits Gemelli’s pediatric oncology ward after having intestinal surgery in 2023. (Vatican Media)

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) published guidance for U.S. Catholics in mid-December after the release of the new policy, dubbed “Fiducia supplicans.”

CALIFORNIA PRIEST STRESSES THAT SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT IS A REMINDER OF WHY WE’RE HERE ON EARTH

“The Declaration issued today by the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) articulated a distinction between liturgical (sacramental) blessings, and pastoral blessings, which may be given to persons who desire God’s loving grace in their lives,” the USCCB wrote.

Pope Francis attends audience

This week’s hospitalization comes roughly two months after Francis approved Catholic priests to offer blessings to same-sex couples. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, File)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

“The Church’s teaching on marriage has not changed, and this declaration affirms that, while also making an effort to accompany people through the imparting of pastoral blessings because each of us needs God’s healing love and mercy in our lives,” the bishops continued.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. Send tips to [email protected], or on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *