Pope Francis 's recovery from double pneumonia In the hospital for four weeks now, raising queries about the potential trajectory of his papacy.
Yesterday, the pope attended the start of a spiritual retreat via video link; however, he remained unseen and unheard by the clergy, including priests, bishops, and cardinals, who were present in the Vatican auditorium.
The Pope continues to stay at Rome's Gemelli hospital, where he was admitted on February 14, prior to the 12th anniversary of his election on Thursday.
Initially updated on Monday, the Vatican stated that Francis was relaxing following a peaceful night.
When he was admitted to the hospital last month, the 88-year-old pontiff, suffering from long-standing respiratory issues and having undergone removal of a portion of one lung during his youth, initially only had a severe bout of bronchitis.
The infection developed into a severe respiratory tract issue coupled with double pneumonia, keeping Francis out of action for an unprecedented duration during his papal tenure and sparking discussions about what lies ahead.
Doctors stated that he has been in a steady state for more than seven days now, without any fever, breathing difficulties, and maintaining adequate oxygen levels in his bloodstream for multiple consecutive days.
The medical team indicated that this level of stability was indeed a good sign and reflected his favorable response to the treatment.
However, they maintained his outlook as 'guarded,' indicating that he still faces risks. Medical professionals were anticipated to offer an additional statement later on Monday.
Yesterday’s statement from the Pope’s X account mentioned: "My thoughts go out to all those individuals who seek multiple avenues to stay connected with the ill, serving as an emblem of God's presence for them."
We require this 'miracle of tenderness' to support those encountering hardship, so as to introduce some brightness into the darkness of their suffering.
The Vatican will observe the pontiff's election anniversary during his absence, marking the first time such an anniversary has been celebrated without him being visible.
On March 13, 2013, Francis became the 266th pope, being both the first Jesuit to hold this position and the first pope hailing from Latin America, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI who had stepped down.
On Sunday, Francis had his third meeting at the hospital with Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra, who serves as the chief of staff.
These gatherings represent the standard method through which the pope manages affairs, indicating that Francis remains committed to his core responsibilities.
Although Francis once commended Benedict for his bravery and modesty in abdicating, he later expressed the view that serving as pope should be a lifelong commitment. He reiterated this stance just last year, stating unequivocally that he had no intention of retiring from office.
Francis has been relying on high-flow supplementary oxygen during daytime to assist with breathing and wears a non-invasive mechanical ventilator mask at nighttime.
Currently, the Vatican is undergoing a week-long spiritual retreat, during which the Pope listened to the commencement address delivered by Father Roberto Pasolini from his hospital bed yesterday.
Pasolini presented a reflection on 'The hope of eternal life,' a topic that had been selected long before Francis joined.
The retreat, a yearly event marking the beginning of the Catholic Church’s solemn Lenten season culminating in Easter, goes on throughout the week.
The Vatican stated that Francis will take part 'in spiritual communion' with the rest of the leadership remotely.
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