In the heart of Rome, Pope Francis is gradually regaining his strength after a bout with double pneumonia. Amid rampant rumors concerning his health and potential leadership changes, the Vatican has clarified that despite his weakened condition, the 88-year-old pontiff is still overseeing the Church’s activities. After a restful night at Gemelli Hospital and a positive morning routine, further announcements on his health status were anticipated later in the day.
Doctors overseeing his treatment have noted incremental improvements. Approaching the two-week mark of his hospital stay, they reported significant medical progress. Notably, a previously detected kidney insufficiency had diminished, revealing encouraging results in his blood tests, while a chest CT scan confirmed expected progress in recovering from his lung infection. Despite these advancements, the outlook remains cautious; Francis continues to receive supplemental oxygen and undergoes respiratory physiotherapy. His resilience is evident, with no respiratory crises since the weekend.
With Francis’s immediate schedule under review, the Vatican has already canceled a scheduled Saturday Holy Year audience. Whether he will preside over his customary Sunday blessing remains uncertain. Looking ahead, key religious observances like Ash Wednesday, landing on March 5, call the pope to the forefront, starting the Lenten season which precedes Easter on April 20. Traditionally, these events have seen him conserve his strength due to similar health concerns.
Among anticipated engagements, Francis hopes to participate in the canonization of Carlo Acutis on April 27, celebrating the life of the digitally-embraced young saint. Additionally, May 24 holds significance due to the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea. Patriarch Bartholomew I has invited the pontiff to Turkey for this event, marking a symbol of unity between the Catholic and Orthodox communities.
Faithful followers across the globe continue to express concern and optimism for Francis’s health. Recently, a group of visitors from Mexico paused their pilgrimage in Rome to seek blessings over his recovery outside the hospital. Among them, Lili Iparea Fernandez expressed her faith in his resilience, urging people worldwide to remain hopeful about his healing.
Leading nightly prayers in St. Peter’s Square, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, underscores the Church’s unity in prayer for the pope’s welfare. Re, although prepared for future ecclesiastical duties upon papal transition, currently joins others in spiritual solidarity for a hopeful recovery.
Despite his ongoing health battles, Pope Francis remains actively engaged in ecclesiastical duties. Post-treatment, he resumes his leadership roles directly from the hospital. Recently, the Vatican announced institutional appointments and progressive financial initiatives deemed crucial for ongoing Church operations, indicating his hands-on approach in governance amid health rest challenges.
