As Pope Francis recovers from bilateral pneumonia, Catholic leaders are urging the faithful to remain prayerful rather than indulge in speculation regarding his health. While the Holy Father’s condition has led to understandable concern, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, has cautioned against a “morbid” atmosphere surrounding discussions of his illness.
Speaking with ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language news partner of Catholic News Agency (CNA), Archbishop Paglia acknowledged that “it is right to be concerned” about Pope Francis, who at 88 years old has been hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since February 14. However, he warned that this concern “must be kept within limits” and lamented the excessive speculation regarding the pope’s condition. “The situation is certainly delicate,” Paglia noted, but reassured the faithful that “the pope has kept on working” and that “he is recovering and will return to the Vatican in a few weeks,” according to CNA.
The Vatican released an update on Wednesday evening, reporting a “slight improvement” in Pope Francis’ health. Despite suffering from “a complex clinical picture,” his condition remains “stationary” with positive signs in his latest blood tests, particularly in inflammatory indices, according to CNA.
Even while hospitalized, the Holy Father continues his pastoral mission. On Wednesday, he received Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in his hospital room, and she later described him as “alert and receptive” while retaining his characteristic sense of humor. On Thursday morning, the pope was able to get up and had breakfast sitting in an armchair, a sign of his gradual recovery, according to CNA.
Archbishop Paglia expressed hope that Pope Francis will soon resume his work, describing it as “more than valuable at a time like this. I would say almost indispensable, given how complex the world situation is and the lack of positive visions.” He highlighted the Holy Father’s significant role in advocating for justice and peace, particularly regarding global conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and tensions in the Holy Land. “If there are some hopeful signs today regarding peace, it is even more important that the pope support them and again call everyone back to justice, equality, and dialogue,” he stated.
The archbishop also emphasized the fragile state of these conflicts and the need for a concerted global effort to achieve lasting peace. As the Church continues to pray for Pope Francis’ recovery, Catholics worldwide are reminded of his crucial role as a shepherd guiding the faithful through turbulent times.
The faithful are encouraged to pray for Pope Francis’ continued healing and strength, trusting in God’s providence as he recovers and prepares to return to his ministry.
