Pope Francis still receiving oxygen therapy, will not read Sunday prayers: Vatican

Pope Francis Continues Recovery in Hospital with Assisted Breathing and Solid Food

Pope Francis remains hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he is still relying on different types of ventilation to aid his breathing, according to Vatican sources. While the 88-year-old pontiff is not fully mobile—sources humorously clarified that he is "not running down the halls"—he is apparently able to move around with some assistance. Encouragingly, the pope is eating solid food on his own and does not require assisted feeding, a positive sign in his recovery process. Despite these small steps forward, his condition remains fragile, and his road to full health is still uncertain.

A Grateful Pope Records a Message for the Faithful Amid Recovery Efforts

In a heartfelt gesture, Pope Francis recently recorded a message expressing his gratitude to those who have been praying for his recovery. The audio, while clearly an effort for him, showcased his resilience. Vatican sources noted that the sound of his oxygen machine could be heard in the background, a poignant reminder of his ongoing health struggles. In the message, the pope thanked the faithful for their support and blessings, saying, "May God bless you." Unfortunately, his condition has prevented him from delivering the Angelus prayer, a tradition he typically upholds.

Medical Experts Weigh In on the Pope’s Condition and Prognosis

As the pope enters his fourth week at Gemelli Hospital, medical experts are closely monitoring his progress. Vatican officials have not provided recent updates on his condition, which has raised some concerns. Dr. Claudio Santini, a medical expert, suggested that the lack of public bulletins indicating improvement could be "not a positive sign." The pope’s history of respiratory issues, including the removal of part of his lung at age 21 due to pleurisy, adds complexity to his current battle with bilateral pneumonia. While oxygen therapy has been aiding his recovery, Dr. Santini emphasized that such treatments are necessary but can place considerable stress on the body, potentially impacting other vital systems.

Global Prayer and Support for the Ailing Pontiff

Catholics worldwide continue to pray for Pope Francis, whose health struggles have touched the hearts of millions. His inability to lead the Ash Wednesday mass earlier this week was a stark reminder of his fragility. Cardinal Angelo De Donatis stepped in to read the pope’s homily at Rome’s Santa Sabrina Basilica, ensuring that the pontiff’s spiritual message still reached the faithful. The homily reflected on the symbolism of ashes, urging believers to acknowledge the fragility of life and to "return to God with all of our hearts."

The pope’s homily: A Message of Reflection and Renewal

In his homily, Pope Francis called for a moment of introspection, emphasizing the significance of ashes as a reminder of human mortality. "We bow our heads in order to receive the ashes as if to look at ourselves and to look within ourselves," he wrote. "Indeed, the ashes help to remind us that our lives are fragile and insignificant: we are dust, from dust we were created, and to dust we shall return." The message, though delivered by another, carried the pope’s signature themes of humility, faith, and the universal call to place God at the center of one’s life.

Vatican Remains Cautious in Sharing Updates on the Pope’s Health

The Vatican has been cautious in providing detailed updates on Pope Francis’s condition, fueling both hope and concern among followers. While the pope’s ability to eat and move with assistance suggests some improvement, the lack of definitive progress has left many anxiously awaiting further news. As the global Catholic community continues to pray for his recovery, the pope’s message of resilience and faith serves as a reminder of the strength found in unity and hope, even in challenging times.