Pope Francis Thanks Global Faithful as He Continues Recovery from Pneumonia
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Pope Francis, who has been in the hospital for nearly three weeks battling pneumonia, recorded and released an emotional audio message on Thursday thanking the millions of people around the world praying for his recovery. In a message broadcast from St. Peter’s Square, his voice was faint and breathless as he expressed his deep gratitude for the support, saying, “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the Square, I accompany you from here.”
The 88-year-old pontiff, who was hospitalized on February 14, spoke in Spanish, taking labored breaths as he offered his blessings and invoked the Virgin’s protection. Pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square applauded when they heard his voice, a sign of hope for his recovery.
This marked the first time the public had heard from Pope Francis since his hospitalization, which began with a diagnosis of bronchitis that developed into pneumonia. On February 22, he experienced a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis, followed by bronchospasm on February 28. The situation became critical earlier this week when the pope suffered two episodes of acute respiratory failure, sparking global concern.
The Vatican provided an update, assuring that the pope’s condition remains stable. There has been no repeat of the respiratory failure, and his blood work continues to show stability. The Vatican also confirmed that he is carrying out daily breathing exercises and physiotherapy. The pope, despite his health challenges, has managed to do some work in the mornings and afternoons.
Despite ongoing concerns, the Vatican has stated that they will issue further medical updates every two days, maintaining a “reserved prognosis.” Although Pope Francis has been using an oxygen mask at night, he switched to a less invasive nasal cannula Thursday morning to provide higher-flow oxygen.
The pope’s absence from public events continues, with the pontiff missing the formal Ash Wednesday celebrations in Rome. However, he conducted a private blessing from his hospital suite, offering a symbolic message to the faithful. For the first Sunday of Lent, Cardinal Michael Czerny will stand in for Pope Francis and lead Mass, which will also include prayers for the pope’s health as he faces this difficult time.
The Vatican emphasized the significance of the event, noting that it holds deeper meaning as the pope continues to undergo treatment in the hospital. Pilgrims have gathered outside the hospital daily to pray for the pope’s recovery.
Pope Francis’s health has raised questions regarding the future of his papacy, with some speculating that he could follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, and resign. However, the Vatican has yet to comment on these rumors, continuing to focus on the pope’s recovery and the stability of his condition.
As of now, Pope Francis remains under close medical supervision, with the thoughts and prayers of the global Catholic community firmly on his side as he continues his battle for health.
