ROME – Pope Francis is currently following the Vatican’s weeklong spiritual retreat through a videoconference as he recuperates from a bout of double pneumonia. This comes just ahead of the 12th anniversary of his papacy, raising discussions about its possible future direction.
Participating remotely on Monday, as he did the previous day, Pope Francis joined the spiritual exercise from the hospital in Rome where he receives treatment. The retreat includes priests, bishops, and cardinals gathered in the Vatican auditorium. While he is able to watch and listen to the Rev. Roberto Pasolini, who leads the meditations, the participants cannot see or hear Pope Francis. Pasolini is directing discussions on “The hope of eternal life,” a previously selected theme, as they continue to unfold during the spiritual retreat which marks the beginning of Lent and will carry on throughout the week. The Vatican announced that while not physically present, the Pope is “in spiritual communion” with the rest of the church hierarchy.
In a morning update, Vatican sources confirmed that Pope Francis was resuming both his physical and respiratory therapy at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, following a restful night. To support his breathing during the day, he uses a nasal tube for oxygen supplementation and employs a mechanical ventilation mask during his sleep. His current medical condition, rooted in a chronic lung disease compounded by having a portion of one lung removed earlier in life, initially presented as severe bronchitis which escalated into a complex lung infection. This development led to his most prolonged absence since becoming Pope 12 years ago, leaving many to ponder their implications for the papacy’s progression.
Medical reports indicate that the Pope has maintained stability for more than a week, showing no fever or acute respiratory episodes, and retaining good oxygen saturation in his blood. This consistent stability is deemed favorable, suggesting a positive response to ongoing therapy. However, medical professionals remain cautious, noting a “guarded” prognosis, signaling potential enduring threats to his health. An updated report from his doctors was anticipated later.
As the Vatican readies to commemorate Pope Francis’ 12th year as head of the Catholic Church—historically marked as the first Jesuit and non-European in this role—unusual circumstances have him governing from a hospital suite. His election as the 266th pope occurred on March 13, 2013, following Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation. The Vatican’s upcoming anniversary observance will be the first with Pope Francis absent from view, though he continues to fulfill his responsibilities.
Despite his hospital stay, Francis engaged in a Sunday meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra. Such meetings are a regular method by which he oversees papal affairs, indicating his continual involvement in essential church business. Although he has commended former Pope Benedict for his resignation, Pope Francis has lately expressed that he sees the role of the Pope as a lifetime commitment. He recently conveyed that resigning is not currently within his plans.
