ROME—Pope Francis is recuperating well after a restful night during his ongoing treatment for double pneumonia, the Vatican disclosed on Thursday. Experiencing his third week in the hospital, the pope is under vigilance and has been adjusting to sleeping with a non-invasive mechanical device to ensure optimal lung expansion overnight. In the daytime, he is being transitioned to receiving high-flow oxygen through a nasal tube as part of his recovery regime. This comprehensive treatment includes physical therapy, double pneumonia care, and respiratory therapy, as confirmed by Vatican representatives.
At 88 years old, Pope Francis, who has a history of chronic lung conditions and had part of a lung removed in his youth, remains in a stable condition for two consecutive days following respiratory episodes that occurred earlier in the week. His doctors have maintained a cautious outlook owing to the intricate nature of his health situation.
With the Holy Father in the hospital, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime was appointed to lead the evening Rosary prayer on his behalf. Cardinal Artime, who serves as the deputy in charge of the Vatican’s department for religious orders, steps in for Sister Simona Brambilla. Sister Brambilla, the first nun to helm a significant Holy See office, appointed Cardinal Artime as “pro-prefect” while acknowledging certain duties that necessitate an ordained priest.
On Wednesday, coinciding with the start of Lent, the pope received ashes on his forehead. Additionally, he made a heartfelt call to a parish priest in Gaza, noted the Vatican. Although the Lenten season commenced without the pope’s presence, it was marked by a cardinal conducting a brief penitential procession in Rome. He also delivered an Ash Wednesday homily written for Pope Francis, expressing solidarity and gratitude towards him for his prayers and sacrifices.
Cardinal Angelo De Donatis articulated, “We are deeply united with him at this moment. We thank him for his prayers and suffering offered for the Church’s well-being worldwide.” Ash Wednesday symbolizes the beginning of Christianity’s reflective period leading to Easter. On this solemn day, Catholics partake in receiving ash crosses on their foreheads, signifying mortality. The occasion is characterized by fasting and abstinence as believers embark on this sacred journey towards April 20’s Easter celebrations.
Highlighting the frailty of life, De Donatis remarked, “The palpable fragility we experience recalls the harsh reality of death. Despite our attempts to banish this notion from our appearance-driven societies and language, death remains an indisputable reality, urging us to acknowledge life’s fleetingness.”
This weekend’s spiritual retreat, traditionally joined by the Holy See hierarchy alongside the pontiff, will proceed albeit in his absence. Announced on Tuesday, the Vatican communicated that the retreat would occur in “spiritual communion” with Pope Francis. The retreat’s theme of “Hope in eternal life” remains unchanged despite the unfolding circumstances.
