In Rome, Pope Francis underwent increased physical therapy while his condition remained stable as Lent commenced, according to a Vatican statement on Wednesday. Despite his ongoing battles with double pneumonia, the Pope participated in Ash Wednesday traditions by receiving ashes on his forehead. Throughout the day, he experienced no respiratory crises and continued to receive supplemental oxygen through a nasal tube. It is expected that he will resume using a non-invasive breathing mask during the night.
Pope Francis, who faced two respiratory crises earlier this week, is monitored closely due to his guarded prognosis as discussed by his doctors. The 88-year-old pontiff, who suffers from chronic lung disease and previously underwent lung surgery, has dealt with the longest hospitalization of his papacy. Despite his health challenges, he engaged in his papal duties, including a phone call to Rev. Gabriel Romanelli, the priest of the Holy Family Church in Gaza. This was their third discussion since the Pope’s hospitalization began on February 14.
Wednesday evening marked the first mention of physical therapy as a component of Pope Francis’ recovery plan, suggesting efforts to mitigate any further health impacts. These efforts coincide with the Catholic Church observing the start of Lent, leading to Easter, traditionally involving fasting and abstinence.
As the Lenten season commenced on Wednesday, the Catholic Church continued its rituals in the Pope’s absence due to his ongoing treatment. Cardinal Angelo De Donatis stepped into Pope Francis’s role, leading a brief penitential procession and delivering a homily expressing solidarity with and gratitude for the Pope’s contributions to the global church. “We feel deeply united with him at this moment,” De Donatis remarked. “We thank him for his prayer and suffering for the global good.”
During the Ash Wednesday liturgy, Catholics traditionally receive a cross made of ashes on their foreheads, a practice indicating the fleeting nature of human life. “The condition of fragility reminds us of the tragedy of death,” said De Donatis. “We often try to dispel death from our societies obsessed with appearances, even trying to eliminate it from our lexicon. Yet, death remains an inevitable reality, underscoring life’s evanescent nature.”
Although Pope Francis was scheduled to participate in a spiritual retreat with the Holy See hierarchy over the weekend, the Vatican announced the retreat would proceed without his attendance while maintaining a “spiritual communion” with him. The retreat’s theme, “Hope in Eternal Life,” was selected before the Pope fell ill.
In an expression of global solidarity, visitors to the Vatican, like Yuris Asis from Colombia, shared their prayers for Pope Francis, hoping for his recovery. “Given his serious condition, the Catholic community worldwide lifts up prayers for him,” said Asis. Italian visitor Emanuele Di Martino echoed these sentiments, expressing hope for the Pope’s health. “We hope and trust that his health issues will be addressed successfully, and we pray for his well-being,” he added.
