The Vatican has reported that Pope Francis had a restful night as he continues to recover from double pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli hospital. The 88-year-old pope is approaching the 12th anniversary of his election as pope, and his doctors are cautiously optimistic about his recovery. While Francis has withdrawn from public appearances as he recuperates, he is expected to participate remotely in the Vatican’s annual Lenten retreat. His hospitalization began on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection, and over the past four weeks, he has made gradual improvements.
Despite the positive signs in Pope Francis’ recovery, his continued hospitalization raises questions about the long-term viability of his papacy. While he has previously suggested the possibility of stepping down from his role as pope, he has recently reaffirmed that the papacy is a lifelong commitment. As the Vatican marks the anniversary of Francis’ election, officials have not confirmed how the occasion will be commemorated amidst the pope’s health concerns. With 28 days of hospitalization approaching, Francis is on track to tie the second-longest recorded hospital stay for a pope, following in the footsteps of St. John Paul II.
Dr. Carmelo D’Asero, an infectious diseases specialist, noted that while Pope Francis is making slow progress, he has not fully recovered after a month of hospitalization. D’Asero highlighted the positive impact that the arrival of spring in Rome could have on Francis, as his bronchitis typically worsens during the winter months. Despite concerns about the pope’s health, Sister Maria Letizia Salazar, a nun who has been praying for Francis outside the hospital, expressed happiness at the positive update and the signs of improvement in his condition.
As Vatican watchers and Catholics around the world await further updates on Pope Francis’ condition, the future of his papacy remains uncertain. Francis’ prolonged hospitalization comes as he approaches key milestones in his papacy, and his absence from public view has sparked speculation about the implications for his leadership. While the pope’s doctors are optimistic about his recovery, the ongoing need for medical care and the complexity of his condition suggest a continued period of monitoring and therapy. As the Vatican prepares to mark the anniversary of Francis’ election, the focus remains on his health and what it may mean for his role as pope.
