In Rome, Pope Francis has now spent two weeks recovering from pneumonia, with medical professionals noting that he has passed the most severe phase of the infection but stopping short of declaring him completely out of danger. The Vatican is making preparations for an upcoming Ash Wednesday, highlighting that his path to full recovery will be a lengthy one. Cardinal Angelo De Donatis has been nominated to lead the ceremony on March 5, starting the solemn Lenten season that anticipates Easter.
An update from the Vatican on Friday morning suggested a sense of normalcy as the 88-year-old pope continued his recovery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. His nights remain peaceful, and he was reported to be resting, having breakfast, reading newspapers, and undergoing respiratory physiotherapy, marking small steps toward recovery.
On Thursday evening, reports from his doctors conveyed signs of improvement in Pope Francis’ health. He has been able to switch between high-flow supplemental oxygen and a mask, indicating better respiratory function. The pope even left his hospital room momentarily to pray in his private chapel, and he continued participating in respiratory therapy and his usual work.
For the second consecutive day, health officials refrained from labeling the pope as critical, implying that the most acute phase of the lung infection might be behind him. However, due to the intricacy of his condition, more days of stability are necessary before they can decisively state that he is out of danger.
Pope Francis was hospitalized on February 14 after his bronchitis deepened. Since experiencing a respiratory crisis and associated kidney issues over the weekend, he has slowly been showing signs of recovery, dispelling worries about his immediate health or possible resignation and affirming his leadership role.
In Mexico City, a small gathering of people convened at the cathedral on Thursday night to pray for his recovery, indicating the global concern and affection for the pontiff. Known affectionately, they consider him almost like family due to his impact and presence, especially notable during his 2016 visit to a nation predominantly with nearly 100 million Catholics.
Despite solid progress, Pope Francis’ upcoming schedule is undergoing changes. A Holy Year audience originally set for Saturday was canceled, and there is uncertainty about his participation in the Sunday blessing, which would be the third consecutive absence. With Cardinal De Donatis appointed for Ash Wednesday, significant upcoming events include Holy Week and Easter, slated for April 20.
Historically, winter bronchitis and influenza bouts have caused Pope Francis to limit his involvement in the Ash Wednesday and Holy Week activities, which include outdoor services and processions. Looking forward, the pope has notable events he likely hopes to attend, contingent on his health status, including the canonization of Carlo Acutis on April 27. Acutis, a young Italian teenager who died in 2006 from leukemia, is considered an inspiration among young Catholics.
Another significant event on the horizon is the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea on May 24. The leader of the global Orthodox Christians, Patriarch Bartholomew I, has invited Pope Francis to join him in Turkey, marking a potential reconciliation between Catholic and Orthodox communities. Although Pope Francis has expressed a desire to attend, his participation remains unconfirmed.
Thus, prayers continue to flow for Pope Francis as he navigates his recovery journey, with hopeful eyes watching for his eventual return to his numerous commitments.
