Pope Francis, recovering from pneumonia, has shown slight improvement according to Vatican sources, while a night prayer marathon was initiated to support his health.
On Tuesday, reliable sources from the Vatican reported that Pope Francis was making progress in his recovery from pneumonia. This comes as the Vatican commenced a marathon of nightly prayers from the Vatican, hoping for the pontiff’s swift recovery and return to his leadership duties within the Catholic Church.
In the latest morning briefing, the Vatican shared that Pope Francis ‘slept well throughout the night.’ On Monday, medical reports indicated that while he remained in a critical state due to the pneumonia, there had been some ‘slight improvement’ in his lab results. This was seen as the most optimistic update in days, as he resumed some work from his hospital room and reached out to a parish in Gaza, a region he has kept in contact with throughout the ongoing conflict.
As night fell, thousands of faithful gathered in a rain-drenched St. Peter’s Square to participate in the first night of the rosary prayer. The atmosphere, reminiscent of the 2005 vigils during the late stages of Pope John Paul II’s illness, was somber yet hopeful. Attendees expressed their wish for the Argentine pontiff’s recovery, highlighting his global mission of peace. Hatzumi Villanueva from Peru praised Pope Francis for his empathy towards migrants, stating, ‘We came to pray for the Pope, so he gets well soon, for the great mission he shares with his message of peace.’
Speaking from the same space usually occupied by Pope Francis, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican’s Secretary of State, expressed that since the Pope’s hospitalization, a chorus of prayers for his recovery has echoed worldwide. ‘From this night, we want to join publicly in this prayer here, at his home,’ Parolin stated, praying for Pope Francis’ swift recovery in this time of illness and trial.
Pope Francis, who had part of a lung removed during his youth, has been hospitalized since February 14. Medical professionals have described his condition as delicate due to his age, fragility, and pre-existing lung issues. On Monday, doctors noted no further respiratory crises since Saturday, and both the flow and concentration of his supplementary oxygen have been slightly reduced. A minor kidney issue discovered on Sunday was not considered alarming at this stage, yet the forecast for his recovery remains cautious.
Amidst circulating rumors about Pope Francis’ health, fueled by conservative critics, his supporters have been optimistic and hopeful for his recovery. They reflect on his long-standing request for prayers from the faithful, a plea he has echoed daily since being elected Pope. Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga shared with La Repubblica, ‘I am a witness to what he did for the Church, with great love for Jesus. Humanly speaking, I don’t think it’s time for him to leave for Paradise.’ As a member of Pope Francis’ close circle, Maradiaga related his own severe COVID-19 experience, stating, ‘I know the Pope might be suffering, and in that sense, I feel closer to him in prayer.’
As Pope Francis continues his recovery journey, the Vatican community remains united in prayer and support, anticipating his return to health and leadership.
