PHOTOS: Pope Francis receives get-well cards, drawings from schoolchildren in Rome

The cover of a get well card featuring a portrait of Pope Francis and the words, in Italian, "For our dear pope," is seen in the Vatican press office Feb. 23, 2025, after Pope Francis saw it at Rome's Gemelli hospital. (CNS photo/Cindy Wooden)

Pope Francis on Sunday was flooded with get-well cards and hand-drawn greetings from schoolchildren in Rome as the Holy Father continues to battle a series of medical emergencies in the city’s Gemelli Hospital.

The pope was admitted to the hospital on Friday, Feb. 14, to undergo testing and treatment for bronchitis, the Vatican said. After a full week in medical care, the Vatican announced Feb. 22 the Holy Father had suffered a respiratory crisis and required a blood transfusion.

The pontiff’s condition “remains critical,” the Holy See Press Office said in a statement issued Sunday evening Rome time, though he experienced “no further respiratory crisis” since Saturday.

‘Get well soon so I can hug you’

Over the weekend, meanwhile, the pope received dozens of get-well cards from schoolchildren in Rome, urging the Holy Father to recover quickly and sending him wishes of love and healing.

A girl named Valeria sends Pope Francis a card saying she hoped he would get well soon so that she could give him a hug. The Vatican press office brought the card from Pope Francis' room at Rome's Gemelli hospital Feb. 23, 2025, for reporters to see. (CNS photo/Cindy Wooden)

“Dear Pope, I hope you get well soon so I can hug you. I love you so much,” read one letter featuring a drawing of the Holy Father reaching out to a young girl.

“I love you very much and we hope you get out of the hospital soon,” read another.

Other greetings included creative illustrations, including a drawing of Blessed Carlo Acutis as well as a 3D rendering of Pope Francis opening the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica.

A get well card for Pope Francis shows him opening the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica; the children who made the card have signed their names inside. The Vatican press office brought the card from Pope Francis' room at Rome's Gemelli hospital Feb. 23, 2025, for reporters to see. (CNS photo/Cindy Wooden)

The Vatican on Sunday said the Holy Father “continues to be alert and well oriented” and continues to receive oxygen therapy “at high flows” through his nose.

Since his situation is “complex,” the statement said, the pope’s prognosis “remains reserved.”

On Sunday morning the pope participated in Mass along with those who are caring for him at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.

Some of the letters to Francis, meanwhile, looked forward to his release from the hospital.

“We pray that you get well soon,” one read. “It would be a great pleasure for us to have lunch [with you] in our school cafeteria.”

Get well cards featuring drawings of Pope Francis and plenty of hearts are seen in the Vatican press office Feb. 23, 2025, after Pope Francis saw them at Rome's Gemelli hospital. (CNS photo/Cindy Wooden)

Daniel Payne is a senior editor at Catholic News Agency.