Update on Pope Francis’ Health Conditions
As Pope Francis enters his 24th day of hospitalization at the Gemelli Polyclinic for bilateral pneumonia, doctors have not issued an update bulletin this evening, and will do so tomorrow. Vatican sources indicate that the situation remains stable, with slight and gradual improvements within a complex framework. While no statements were made by the doctors today, there have been no decisions made regarding the prognosis.
Today, Pope Francis continues his treatments, including pharmacological, physiotherapy, respiratory, and motor therapy, as confirmed by the Vatican Press Office. Oxygen is administered during the day at high flows through nasal cannulas and at night through mechanical ventilation using a mask that covers his nose and mouth. The Press Office also explains that there may not be a new medical bulletin today, but updates on the clinical situation will be provided before evening.
The potential absence of a new medical bulletin today is attributed to the “stability of the clinical picture” of the Pontiff. Regarding a possible upcoming meeting of doctors with journalists – the second since the hospitalization – the Vatican Press Office explains that “there are signs of improvement, and the doctors are evidently waiting for more before providing a prognosis and speaking to the press.” The meeting “is not imminent but not ruled out: the doctors themselves do not rule it out, but they are waiting for more information.” In terms of the Pope’s mood, “there is no reason to believe that after these days of slight improvement and stability, his mood is not good, as always.” Vatican sources also reveal that there are currently no renovations or changes underway at Casa Santa Marta for the Pope’s return.
In today’s Angelus message, distributed in written form as in the past three Sundays, Pope Francis addresses the faithful and discusses his health: “Brothers and sisters, during my extended stay in the hospital, I also experience the care and tenderness of the service, especially from the doctors and healthcare workers, whom I sincerely thank. And while I am here, I think of many people who, in various ways, stand by the sick and are a sign of the Lord’s presence.” “We need this, the ‘miracle of tenderness,’ which accompanies those in need, bringing some light into the night of pain,” adds the Pontiff.
Agenzia ANSAIl Giubileo dei volontari, a S.Pietro senza Francesco – Vaticano News – Ansa.it
Migliaia di divise, sulla Loggia lo stendardo del Pontefice. Poi il passaggio sul piazzale del Gemelli per salutarlo (ANSA)
“I would like to thank all those who are showing their support through prayer: thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone! I pray for you as well. And I spiritually unite with those who will participate in the spiritual exercises of the Roman Curia in the coming days,” continues Pope Francis.
“Let us continue to invoke the gift of peace, especially in the troubled regions of Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” the Pontiff adds. “In particular – he continues – I have learned with concern about the resumption of violence in some areas of Syria: I hope they cease definitively, respecting all ethnic and religious components of society, especially civilians.”
Pope Francis emphasizes that “last Ash Wednesday, we began Lent, the forty-day penitential journey that calls us to a conversion of heart and leads us to the joy of Easter. Let us commit to making it a time of purification and spiritual renewal, a path of growth in faith, hope, and charity.”
“This morning, in St. Peter’s Square, Mass was celebrated for the world of volunteers, who are experiencing their Jubilee. In our societies, overly subject to market logic, where everything risks being subject to profit and self-interest, volunteering is a prophecy and a sign of hope because it testifies to the primacy of generosity, solidarity, and service to the needy,” says Bergoglio. “To those engaged in this field – he adds – I express my gratitude: thank you for offering your time and skills; thank you for your closeness and tenderness in caring for others, awakening hope in them.”
Tonight at 9 PM, Portuguese Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, will lead the recitation of the Rosary in St. Peter’s Square for the health of the Pope hospitalized at the Gemelli Polyclinic. This was announced by the Holy See Press Office.
The Pope Receives Visits from Parolin and Pena Parra
This morning, in his room on the tenth floor of the Gemelli Polyclinic, Pope Francis received a visit from Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Substitute for General Affairs Monsignor Edgar Pena Parra.
“The Pontiff regularly meets with them during the week and is now incorporating these meetings into his hospital stay at Gemelli,” explains the Vatican Press Office, noting that “this is an opportunity to update the Pope on the situation of the Church and the world.” “Today the Pope made a reference in the Angelus to the situation in Syria, and surely this was also discussed,” it is added.
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