The health status of Pope Francis presents a “slight improvement,” announced the Holy See on Thursday, at the end of the seventh day of hospitalization of the 88-year-old Argentine Jesuit, who suffers pneumonia in both lungs. This update comes as a welcome relief, especially given the Pope’s history of health issues.
The Vatican’s announcement noted that the clinical status of the Holy Father presents a slight improvement, with no fever and stable hemodynamic parameters. This is undoubtedly a positive sign, indicating that the Pope is responding well to treatment. Furthermore, the fact that he has risen and attempted to work is a reassuring indicator that he is on the right track, as the cardinals have suggested.
The day began with the Pope receiving the Eucharist in the morning, followed by dedicating himself to his professional activities, which include contacting his closest collaborators, reading, signing documents, and making phone calls. It’s a testament to his dedication and commitment to his duties, even in the face of health challenges. Pope Francis entered the Gemelli Hospital in Rome for bronchitis last Friday, and the diagnosis of bilateral pneumonia was announced on Tuesday, sparking concern for his health due to the potential complications.
Health Concerns and Reactions
The Vatican’s announcement that the Pope suffers from pneumonia, a lung tissue infection that can be potentially deadly, has understandably revived concern for his health. This is especially complicated given that the Argentine Jesuit had part of his right lung removed when he was young. The news has sparked a mixture of worry and hope among the faithful and the wider community, with many expressing their support and praying for his recovery.
Cardinal Juan José Omella noted that from what he has read, it seems the Pope is “much better,” and there is hope for his recovery, provided he responds well to the medication. Similarly, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who visited the Pope, described him as “alert and receptive” and noted that he had not lost his “famous sense of humor.” These personal accounts offer a glimpse into the Pope’s condition and his resilience in the face of illness.
Uncertainty and Prayers
Despite the positive signs, there is still a degree of uncertainty surrounding the Pope’s health and the potential impact on his upcoming commitments. A source from the Vatican indicated that the Pope could get up and sit in an armchair, breathe without mechanical assistance, but it’s not ruled out that he might need it at times. The Vatican has canceled his planned commitments for the week, including an audience on Saturday and Sunday Mass in the Basilica of San Pedro. However, it remains unclear if the Pope will pronounce the Angelus at noon after Sunday’s Mass.
The current situation has put the Vatican in a kind of limbo, according to François Mabille, a researcher at the Institute of International and Strategic Relations. Mabille notes that having a Pope who is sick but alive and able to speak creates uncertainty about his health state, which can affect the Holy See. In response to this uncertainty, the Church has invited all Catholics worldwide to pray for the Pope’s health, a call that has been met with widespread support.
Global Support and Concern
Outside the Gemelli Hospital, a multitude of faithful have gathered to light candles in support, and the Church’s invitation to pray for the Pope’s health has been met with a global response. In the Plaza de San Pedro del Vaticano, tourists and locals alike have expressed their concern for the Pope’s well-being, with many sharing their appreciation for his care for the poor and his leadership of the Catholic Church.
The hospitalization of Pope Francis, his fourth in less than four years, has renewed debate about his health, especially as the Catholic Church approaches the jubilee year, loaded with events that the Pope is expected to attend. Prior to his admission, the Pope had appeared in several public appearances looking weakened, with a swollen face and a broken voice, and had delegated the reading of his speeches to his attendees on more than one occasion. As the world waits for further updates on the Pope’s condition, one thing is clear: the outpouring of support and prayers from around the globe is a testament to the significant impact Pope Francis has had on the lives of many.
