As the Church prepares to enter the final weeks of Lent, the faithful around the world continue to pray for Pope Francis’ health. The Holy Father, who was recently released from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital following a serious pulmonary infection, is steadily improving, according to the Holy See Press Office.
In a Friday morning briefing, the Press Office announced that “the Angelus may take place in a different manner compared to previous Sundays,” noting that a further update will be provided on Saturday (Holy See Press Office, April 4). This signals a cautious approach as the Vatican considers the Pope’s condition and upcoming Holy Week responsibilities.
Pope Francis was hospitalized due to a “polymicrobial infection that resulted in bilateral pneumonia,” and was released from the hospital on Sunday, March 23, with what the Press Office described as a “protected discharge.” Since returning to his residence at the Casa Santa Marta, the Pope has been undergoing continued treatment and therapy.
The Vatican reported that the Pope is making progress in several key areas of his recovery. “Pope Francis continues to show clinical improvements,” the Press Office stated, also noting “further slight respiratory, mobility, and voice-related improvements.” His recent blood tests suggest a slight improvement in his pulmonary infection.
While he still requires supplemental oxygen, the need has decreased. “During the day, he continues with an ordinary administration of oxygen, while, at night, he continues with high-flow oxygenation with nasal cannulas as needed,” the Press Office said.
Despite these health challenges, Pope Francis remains spiritually and mentally engaged in his duties. On Friday, he followed a Lenten meditation held by Father Roberto Pasolini, OFM Cap, the Preacher of the Papal Household, via video link. Earlier in the week, on Wednesday, the Holy Father also joined, remotely, the Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica commemorating the 20th anniversary of the death of Saint John Paul II, presided over by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State.
Encouragingly, the Vatican confirmed that “the Holy Father continues his work activities and is in good spirits.” However, officials emphasized that there have been no visits to note, and it is still “too early to discuss the Pope’s participation in Holy Week liturgies.”
The Catholic faithful are invited to continue praying for Pope Francis’ full recovery as he prepares for the most sacred time of the liturgical year. The next official update on his condition will be given on Tuesday, April 8.
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