ROME — Pope Francis, currently hospitalized with double pneumonia, displayed signs of improvement by meeting with the Vatican’s secretary of state to approve new decrees for saints and organizing a session to determine their canonization dates, the Vatican stated on Tuesday.
The meeting, which took place on Monday, indicated that despite the Pope’s critical health at 88, the Vatican’s operations continue to function efficiently and plan for the future.
Tuesday’s proclamation by the Vatican revealed that Francis endorsed decrees for the beatification of five individuals and canonization for two others during his meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra. This marked the first encounter between the Pope and Parolin, the de facto Vatican prime minister, since his hospitalization on February 14.
During the meeting, Pope Francis opted to assemble a consistory about impending canonizations. While this procedure is routine when Francis is present at the Vatican, its occurrence is notable given the Pope’s ongoing health struggles. The typical protocol sees such decrees passed following meetings with the saint-making office head rather than Parolin.
Aside from his medical team and secretaries, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni is the only known visitor to have met the Pope since his health deteriorated.
Moreover, the Vatican announced that Francis designated new bishops for Brazil, appointed a fresh archbishop for Vancouver, and made changes to the legal hierarchy within the Vatican City State.
On Tuesday, the Vatican’s bulletin provided a positive health update, noting, “The pope slept well, all night.”
While the Pope remains in critical condition, facing double pneumonia, doctors reported a slight improvement in certain lab tests, marking a turning point. Simultaneously, from his hospital room, the Pope resumed his duties, reaching out to a parish in Gaza City, maintaining their connection since local conflicts erupted.
The Argentine Pope, who had a portion of a lung removed in his youth, has been under hospital care since February 14 at Rome’s Gemelli hospital. Due to his age, fragility, and pre-existing lung issue, doctors maintain a cautious prognosis. However, improvements were noted as there were no further respiratory crises over the weekend, and oxygen support was marginally decreased. Previously noted mild kidney concerns have not escalated.
At nightfall, thousands gathered in a rain-drenched St. Peter’s Square for a ritual Rosary recitation initiated for the Pope’s recovery, reminiscent of the 2005 vigils for St. John Paul II.
“We are here to pray for the Pope’s swift recovery and support his crucial mission of peace,” expressed Hatzumi Villanueva from Peru, appreciating the Pope’s migrant empathy.
Standing in the Pope’s stead, Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, acknowledged the global influx of prayers for Francis’ recovery. “By congregating here, we publicly join this prayer within his home,” Parolin announced. The vigil would see continuation with leadership by Cardinal Antonio Tagle, focusing on the global Catholic community.
Despite worries over his condition circulating among right-wing critics, the Pope’s supporters express optimism, firmly believing in his eventual recovery.
“Francis’ dedication to the Church, driven by his love for Jesus, is profound,” stated Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga, among the Pope’s close advisers. He shared his own experience battling COVID-19 and closely relates to the Pope’s current challenges.
Outside Gemelli hospital on a rainy day, Romans and pilgrims alike prayed for the Pope, contemplating his teachings over the past 12 years. Canadian visitor Hoang Phuc Nguyen traveled to Rome for the Holy Year pilgrimage, stopping at the hospital’s entrance to pray, expressing concern for “our father” amidst his health crisis.
Simultaneously, the Vatican released the Pope’s Lenten prayer intentions, aligning with the institution’s ongoing functions despite his absence. The document, signed before the Pope’s hospitalization, urges believers to remain hopeful while empathizing with migrants and the less fortunate.
“Reflecting on Exodus ties us to current migrations borne out of desperation. A Lenten endeavor would be comparing personal lives with a migrant’s journey, deciphering God’s messages to us,” the Pope’s statement reads.
In reflection and prayer, the Vatican remains steady, anticipating Pope Francis’ recovery.
