Pope Francis’ Health Improving, Prognosis Cautious

In Rome, Pope Francis showed signs of gradual recovery from double pneumonia as updates from the Vatican on Thursday described continued improvement. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has a medical history of pulmonary surgery, managed to devote time to work from his hospital room and made a visit to his private chapel for prayer. However, doctors have stated that several days of consistent clinical stability are necessary before they can reassess his prognosis.

The pope, who is receiving treatment at Gemelli Hospital since February 14, experienced a worsening of his condition due to bronchitis. While concerns about his health escalated over a respiratory and renal crisis during the previous weekend, the news of his slight but steady recovery has quelled fears about his imminent mortality or the potential of a conclave for choosing a successor, signaling that Francis remains in command.

Pope Francis’s upcoming schedule has been affected by his illness. The Vatican annulled a Holy Year audience planned for Saturday, and it remains uncertain if Francis will appear for his traditional Sunday blessing. Long-term events, such as the religious celebrations marking Ash Wednesday and the onset of Lent on March 5, along with Holy Week and Easter in April, are now under question. The demands of these events include outdoor activities where the pope has historically needed to manage his health, especially in colder weather.

Beyond the near-term engagements, Pope Francis faces major commitments like the canonization of Carlo Acutis on April 27. Additionally, the pope has been invited by the Orthodox Christian spiritual head to join the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea in Turkey on May 24, though the Vatican has yet to confirm his participation. These events reflect the pope’s significant role and his desire to oversee these occasions if his health permits.

Meanwhile, global prayers continue to pour in from faithful supporters. A group of Mexican pilgrims visiting Rome for the Holy Year expressed their goodwill for the pope’s health after their plans to attend his Wednesday audience were halted. Highlighting their faith in his recovery, Lili Iparea Fernandez from Mexico conveyed hope and confidence outside the hospital.

Pope Francis remains actively engaged in his papal duties, despite his hospital stay. According to the Vatican, his daily schedule includes morning treatments and respiratory therapy, receiving the Eucharist, and resuming his duties from his hospital suite in the afternoon. It was reported that he visited the papal chapel for the first time since February 21, prior to his respiratory crisis.

The Vatican’s recent statements revealed that Pope Francis endorsed the creation of a new fundraising initiative aimed at bolstering the financially troubled Holy See, alongside the appointment of four new bishops. These decisions, largely made prior to his hospitalization, serve to demonstrate that the pope continues to exercise his governance over the Church’s operations.