Pope Francis Skips Weekly Blessing Again
Pope Francis is currently recovering from double pneumonia with his condition reported as stable by the Vatican following a visit from Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin on Sunday March 2. The pope who has been hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital since February 14 opted to skip his weekly Angelus prayer marking the third consecutive week he has canceled this public appearance.
In lieu of an appearance, the Vatican released a message from the pope, in which he expressed gratitude to his medical team for their care and thanked the many well-wishers who have offered prayers on his behalf. “I feel in my heart the ‘blessing’ that is hidden within frailty, because it is precisely in these moments that we learn even more to trust in the Lord,” he stated, adding that he is living his hospitalization as an experience of deep solidarity with those who are sick and suffering.
Pope Francis also reflected on the absurdity of war particularly in Ukraine symbolizing his unwavering commitment to peace as he urged prayers for an end to conflict.
According to Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni, the pope’s night was reportedly quiet and he continues to rest as he recovers. Medical updates indicate that he has shown no signs of fever or elevated white blood cell counts which would typically indicate an ongoing infection. His doctors noted a good response in gas exchange levels particularly during the periods he was off noninvasive mechanical ventilation and only using high-flow supplemental oxygen.
While the Vatican has conveyed a cautiously optimistic tone regarding the pope’s recovery they emphasize that he is not out of danger yet. The 88-year-old pontiff has a history of lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man.
On Saturday, Pope Francis was engaged with his respiratory physiotherapy and spent some time in his private chapel further indicating that he is beginning to recover. However, medical professionals are proceeding with caution regarding his overall prognosis.
The Holy Year celebrations in the Vatican continue attracting pilgrims from around the world who have been encouraged to keep the Pope in their prayers. As pilgrimages are made to significant locations, such as St. Peter’s Basilica and Assisi, the religious community has expressed sadness over Francis’ condition but remains hopeful.
Unbeknownst to many, the Pope had been scheduled to oversee a Holy Year audience for healthcare workers on Saturday but due to his hospitalization, he remained under medical care. This unexpected absence was met with understanding and continued prayers for his recovery from attendees who had assembled for the pilgrimage.
As the situation develops, the international community and faithful alike remain united in their hopes for Pope Francis’s swift recovery.
