Pope Thanks Volunteers For ‘Miracle Of Tenderness’

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis has issued a message thanking volunteers for the “miracle of tenderness” they offer the sick as he continues his recovery from double pneumonia. For the fourth Sunday in a row, the 88-year-old Francis didn’t appear for his weekly noon blessing. But the Vatican distributed the text he would have delivered if he were well enough. In it, the Argentine pope thanked all those who were caring for him and others who are sick and experiencing a “night of pain.” Doctors on Saturday reported some positive news: After more than three weeks in the hospital, the 88-year-old pope is responding well to treatment and has shown a “gradual, slight improvement” in recent days.