Pope Francis hospitalized at Gemelli for bronchitis

[Michie]

In the hospital, pope celebrates anniversary of election with cake

 

[Gnarwhal]

The updates seem kind of deceptively encouraging the past couple of days. They say he's responding well to treatment but then follow up with he's still on a high-flow oxygen regiment and non-invasion mechanical aspiration like he was before. I mean the net conclusion seems to be that he's still in a pretty bad way and tomorrow marks one month since he was admitted to Gemelli.

 

[Michie]

The updates seem kind of deceptively encouraging the past couple of days. They say he's responding well to treatment but then follow up with he's still on a high-flow oxygen regiment and non-invasion mechanical aspiration like he was before. I mean the net conclusion seems to be that he's still in a pretty bad way and tomorrow marks one month since he was admitted to Gemelli.

At 88 it’s not surprising. I’m thinking the oxygen and no doubt, inhalers and breathing treatments might be something permanent.

 

[Michie]

Pope continues pneumonia treatment as Cardinal Parolin prays for his recovery​

Parolin calls for ‘disarming language’ while praying for Pope Francis with diplomats​

Marking a whole month in the hospital on Friday, Pope Francis is undergoing another morning of therapy for pneumonia, including oxygen treatment and respiratory physiotherapy, as his condition remains “stationary,” according to the Vatican.

A new medical bulletin will be issued this evening.

The recovering pontiff followed the conclusion of the spiritual exercises for Lent led by Capuchin Father Roberto Pasolini in the Paul VI Audience Hall via video link.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin celebrated a morning Mass for the pope with the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See.

In his homily reflecting on today’s Gospel reading, the Vatican secretary of state emphasizes the need to “disarm language” and move from confrontation to benevolence in a time of war.

“We gather in prayer this morning for the health of the Holy Father, that he may recover and return to us soon. We also wish to remember the 12th anniversary of his election to the pontificate, celebrated yesterday,” Parolin says during the Mass in the Pauline Chapel of the Apostolic Palace.

The cardinal’s Lenten-themed homily includes several references to global current events, noting that “on our own we cannot manage, we need help, but it is also true that the Lord provides us with the means to realize his word.”

The rosary prayer service for the pope this evening will be led by Monsignor Lucio Adrian Ruiz, secretary of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication.

Continued below.

Pope Francis’ health latest news: Live updates

Here’s the latest news on Pope Francis’ health and hospitalization.

www.catholicnewsagency.com

 

[Michie]

Rome marathon runners to hold 42-second silence for Pope Francis

Over 30,000 runners will hold 42 seconds of silence for Pope Francis before the start of the Rome marathon on Sunday morning.

www.catholicnewsagency.com

 

[Michie]

Vatican ambassadors gather for Mass to pray for pope's health

Cardinal Parolin leads a Mass for Pope Francis' health, reflecting on the connection between prayer, love and charity.

www.oursundayvisitor.com

 

[Michie]

Vatican moves to once-a-day updates about Pope Francis’ health amid stable situation​

The Holy See Press Office says on Friday that updates about Pope Francis’ health will be less frequent as his situation remains stable amid a slow recovery.

Continued below.

Pope Francis’ health latest news: Live updates

Here’s the latest news on Pope Francis’ health and hospitalization.

www.catholicnewsagency.com

 

[Michie]

Hospitalized pope approves approves 3-year synod implementation process​

Pope Francis’ health condition remains “stable yet complex” as his hospitalization at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital continues.

This evening, prayers for the pope’s recovery will continue as the Governorate of Vatican City State leads the nightly rosary. Monsignor Emilio Nappa, secretary-general, will guide the prayer service.

The 88-year-old pontiff continues to receive oxygen therapy and respiratory physiotherapy.

The Holy See Press Office announced yesterday it will now provide medical updates only when there is significant new information to share.

From his hospital room, the pontiff has approved the process for accompanying and evaluating the implementation phase of the synod, according to Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops.

In a letter to Church leaders, Grech announced a special postsynodal ecclesial assembly scheduled for October 2028.

Continued below.

Pope Francis’ health latest news: Live updates

Here’s the latest news on Pope Francis’ health and hospitalization.

www.catholicnewsagency.com

 

[Michie]

Pope’s condition ‘stable,’ therapies continue to show improvement, Vatican says​

The Vatican says Pope Francis’ condition remains “stable” and that the Holy Father’s therapies continue to show “further, gradual improvement.”

Francis still needs “hospital medical therapy, motor and respiratory physiotherapy,” the Vatican’s Saturday evening update says, though the pope’s high-flow oxygen therapy is “progressively reducing the need for noninvasive mechanical ventilation at night.”

The pope’s ongoing stable condition “confirm the progress highlighted in the last week,” the Vatican says.

A Vatican source says the pope remains in “a clinical situation of stability, in a framework that remains complex.” The Holy Father spent Saturday doing prayer, therapy, rest, and some work.

Pope Francis’ health latest news: Live updates

Here’s the latest news on Pope Francis’ health and hospitalization.

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[Michie]

The Vatican has shared the first photo of Pope Francis since he entered Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Feb. 14.

“This morning, Pope Francis concelebrated holy Mass in the chapel of the 10th-floor apartment at the Gemelli Polyclinic,” according to a statement from the Vatican Press Office.

In the photo, the Holy Father can be seen seated before the altar of the chapel where he concelebrated the Eucharist. The Vatican also reported that “the pope’s condition remains stable” and after concelebrating Sunday Mass, “he is continuing with the prescribed therapies,” including respiratory and physical therapy.

Pope Francis did not receive any visitors Sunday, instead dedicating the day to “prayer, rest, and some work.”

Pope Francis’ health latest news: Live updates

Here’s the latest news on Pope Francis’ health and hospitalization.

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[Michie]

Pope Francis’ health remains ‘stable with slight improvements’​

Pope Francis’ medical condition remains “stable with slight improvements” with the help of respiratory and motor therapies, the Vatican says Monday evening.

“He is using high-flow oxygenation with nasal cannulas less frequently and, at times, can do without oxygen therapy. At night, he uses noninvasive mechanical ventilation,” the Holy See Press Offices statement reads.

Addressing concerns about the 88-year-old pontiff’s swollen hand that was visible in a photo released Sunday, the Vatican said “decreased mobility” was the cause for the swelling but that it “has already improved today.”

“The pope spent the day between prayer, rest, and doing some work,” the health update concludes.

The next medical bulletin will be released on Wednesday.

Pope Francis’ health latest news: Live updates

Here’s the latest news on Pope Francis’ health and hospitalization.

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[Michie]

Dancers dedicate tango to Pope Francis at Gemelli Hospital

Tango enthusiasts, the emblematic dance of Pope Francis’ homeland, gathered in front of Gemelli Hospital on Sunday to express their support and closeness to the Holy Father.

www.catholicnewsagency.com

 

[Michie]

Pope Francis links personal frailty to peace mission in hospital letter​

Pope Francis, whose health remains “stable with slight improvements” according to the latest Vatican bulletin, reflects on how human fragility can provide clarity about life’s priorities in a letter written to an Italian newspaper.

“Human fragility has the power to make us more lucid about what endures and what passes, what brings life and what kills,” the 88-year-old pontiff writes in his message to Luciano Fontana, editor-in-chief of the Italian daily paper Corriere della Sera.

The letter, dated March 14 and written from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, responds to Fontana’s message of support during his illness.

“We must disarm words, to disarm minds and disarm the Earth,” Francis writes, asking the journalist to “relaunch and amplify his appeal for peace and disarmament.”

Pope Francis’ health latest news: Live updates

Here’s the latest news on Pope Francis’ health and hospitalization.

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[Michie]

Pope Francis’ doctors reduce his use of mechanical ventilation on Tuesday​

Pope Francis’ doctors have reduced his reliance on mechanical ventilation at night and high-flow oxygen therapy during the day, the Vatican says Tuesday evening.

The 88-year-old pope’s health remains stable but complex, with slight improvements in his respiratory and motor functions.

The Vatican confirmed that he did not require mechanical ventilation overnight on Monday but continued using high-flow nasal oxygen support. However, mechanical ventilation has not been completely suspended.

Despite his condition, the pope continues his daily routine, including physiotherapy, work, and prayer. Pope Francis is following a diet prescribed by his doctors that consists of solid food.

A new medical bulletin is expected Wednesday at 7 p.m. local time. Meanwhile, the Vatican has not provided details regarding a potential visit from King Charles III, stating that such announcements are typically made closer to the date. A prepared catechesis is expected to be released tomorrow morning for Wednesday’s general audience.

Continued below.

Pope Francis’ health latest news: Live updates

Here’s the latest news on Pope Francis’ health and hospitalization.

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[Michie]

Hospitalized pope sends message of hope on Wednesday​

Pope speaks on vocational hope as Italy’s president congratulates him on 12 years as pontiff​

Pope Francis connects hope with vocational discernment in his message for the 62nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations, which the Church observes to foster awareness about the importance of vocations.

“Vocation is a precious gift that God sows in hearts, a call to step outside oneself to undertake a journey of love and service,” writes Francis in his address released by the Vatican on March 19.

The pope describes vocations on the solemnity of St. Joseph as developing through “trust in providence” and says Christian hope becomes “a certainty rooted in faith in God, who works in the history of every person.”

Meanwhile, Italian President Sergio Mattarella has congratulated Pope Francis on marking his 12th anniversary as pontiff.

“Together with me, the Italian people are grateful to you for these 12 years in which you have offered the most authentic witness of evangelical values, in constant service not only to the Catholic Church but to all humanity,” Mattarella writes, according to ACI Stampa, CNA’s Italian-language news partner.

The president recalls the pope’s contributions to international discussions on important issues.

“I wish to highlight the unprecedented points of reflection that your high magisterium has placed at the center of debate within important multilateral forums,” he notes, referencing the pope’s participation in U.N. climate conferences, G7 and G20 summits.

Mattarella mentions Francis’ “vibrant call to rediscover hope” and his advocacy against “the abandonment of logic based on force and prevarication.”

The president concludes his message by expressing gratitude for the pope’s attention to Italy and offering “sincere wishes for well-being in the continuation of the pontificate, along with heartfelt wishes for a prompt recovery.”

The Roman Rota tribunal leads the rosary prayer this evening with Archbishop Alejandro Arellano Cedillo, the dean of the tribunal, presiding.

Pope Francis’ health latest news: Live updates

Here’s the latest news on Pope Francis’ health and hospitalization.

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[Michie]

Doctors confirm Pope Francis’ health continues to improve​

Doctors say Wednesday that Pope Francis’ condition continues to improve and he is no longer using noninvasive mechanical ventilation.

According to the March 19 medical update from the Vatican, the pontiff has also reduced his use of high-flow oxygen therapy.

The pontiff’s 34th day in the hospital included the concelebration of a Mass in the morning for the solemnity of St. Joseph as well as both respiratory and physical therapy.

The Holy See Press Office says the pope also spent time in prayer and doing work. While the infections in his lung are still present, they are “under control,” it adds.

The Vatican also notes that due to Francis’ stable situation, the next medical bulletin will be issued sometime next week. The Vatican will also provide information on the pope to journalists on Friday, March 21, and on Monday, March 24.

Pope Francis’ health latest news: Live updates

Here’s the latest news on Pope Francis’ health and hospitalization.

www.catholicnewsagency.com

 

[RileyG]

Glory to God!

 

[Michie]

Pope Francis marks 33 days in hospital as Vatican continues prayers for recovery​

Pope Francis has now spent 33 days hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since his admission on Feb. 14 as Vatican officials continue to provide updates on the 88-year-old pontiff’s condition.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, firmly denied rumors of papal resignation discussions during his recent visits to Pope Francis.

The cardinal said he found the Holy Father “in better condition” during his March 9 visit compared with earlier encounters.

Despite his delicate health, Pope Francis remains actively involved in Church governance. “The pope gives his instructions,” Parolin emphasized, confirming that Francis continues to make necessary decisions while hospitalized.

A recent example of Pope Francis’ ongoing papal activity includes gifting his Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded by former U.S. President Joe Biden, to the metropolitan cathedral of Buenos Aires, where he served as archbishop before he was elected pope in 2013.

Meanwhile, prayers persist for the pontiff’s recovery. The Apostolic Vatican Archive and the Vatican Apostolic Library will animate a rosary prayer service, guided by Archbishop Angelo Vincenzo Zani, archivist and librarian of the Holy Roman Church.

Pope Francis’ health latest news: Live updates

Here’s the latest news on Pope Francis’ health and hospitalization.

www.catholicnewsagency.com

 

[RileyG]

Lord, hear our prayer

 

[Michie]

Pope serves Church ‘in a different way’ during illness, Archbishop Gallagher says​

Pope serves ‘no less effectively’ despite illness, Vatican diplomat says​

As the Pontifical Urban College for the Propagation of the Faith prepares to lead the rosary prayer for the pope on Friday night, Pope Francis continues to serve the Church, according to

Archbishop Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States of the Vatican.

Gallager celebrated a Mass for the pontiff’s health on Thursday, March 21, as the pontiff continues his hospitalization at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.

During his homily at the Church of Gesù in Rome, the English archbishop emphasized that despite his illness, the Holy Father continues serving “the Church and humanity, albeit in a different way.”

“In this moment of human fragility, he serves the Church and humanity no less effectively, although he does so in a different way,” Archbishop Gallagher stated at the Jesuit church where several ambassadors to the Holy See gathered to pray for the pontiff’s recovery from bilateral pneumonia.

The archbishop centered his homily on divine love, noting that in today’s world, where “darkness sometimes seems to prevail over light,” spiritual renewal during Lent can “lead us to the path of encounter.”

He highlighted ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, and other regions, calling Christians to “spread the values of love, justice and peace.”

Pope Francis’ health latest news: Live updates

Here’s the latest news on Pope Francis’ health and hospitalization.

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