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ROME — In a positive turn of events, Pope Francis is reportedly “resting well throughout the night,” according to a Vatican statement released on Tuesday morning. This comes as the pontiff experiences a modest recovery from double pneumonia and other health complications.
During his stay at the Gemelli hospital in Rome on Monday, the Pope resumed certain duties, meeting with the Vatican’s secretary of state and other officials to sign various documents related to sainthood designations. Current health updates indicate that a mild kidney issue has been addressed, and he has not faced any additional respiratory crises since a concerning episode on Saturday.
Since the weekend, when he was reported to be in critical condition, the Vatican has provided a “cautious” prognosis due to the “complexity of the clinical picture.” This has led to his absence from regular public engagements, prompting the church to encourage prayers from both local and global communities for his health.
Nightly prayers for the pope’s health
In response to his hospitalization, thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Monday night despite the rain, participating in a prayer vigil for the Pope’s recovery. This event marks the beginning of a nightly tradition of prayers for papal health, a practice the Catholic Church has observed in past instances of illness.
“I’m here to be in communion with Pope Francis, to pray for him, to entrust him to God, because that’s the most important thing,” said Anna Luisa Prego, a local resident. “The atmosphere was beautiful here in the square.”
Michaela Dodic, a 22-year-old visitor from Croatia, expressed her gratitude for being able to pray for the Pope’s health, stating, “I feel really grateful because I could be here in this moment, to pray for his health, in front of the heart of the church.”
In a period marked by significant global unrest, Pope Francis’ vocal appeals for peace have garnered widespread support but have also faced criticism. Rigoberto Darce, a priest from Nicaragua residing in Rome, commented, “Every Pope responds to the necessities of his time. There are those who criticize his actions, without realizing he is the right person for this moment. This time — like other times — is difficult.”
He has pneumonia in both lungs
Pope Francis was initially hospitalized on February 14 due to bronchitis and was stable until he developed a polymicrobial infection, requiring extended treatment. Shortly after, it was revealed that he had developed pneumonia in both lungs, leading to further medical care.
On Saturday, reports indicated that the Pope experienced an “asthma-like respiratory crisis” that necessitated the use of supplemental oxygen. He was also diagnosed with thrombocytopenia, which is characterized by low platelet counts that help with blood clotting. The Vatican reported that he received blood transfusions to improve his hemoglobin levels.
By Monday evening, the Vatican indicated signs of improvement, noting better lab results and stable monitoring of his mild kidney issues. “Oxygen therapy continues, although with slightly reduced flow and oxygen levels,” the statement added.
In recent developments, Pope Francis recognized potential sainthood for Emil Joseph Kapaun, an American chaplain who served in both the Second World War and the Korean War. While hospitalized, the pontiff has also made adjustments to the Vatican’s governance structure, promoting two archbishops, and maintained communication with a parish priest in Gaza.
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