The convalescence of continues in an encouraging manner Pope Francesco, who returned to Casa Santa Marta on March 23 after 38 days of hospitalization at the Policlinico Gemelli for bilateral pneumonia.
According to what was reported today by the Vatican Press Office, the Pontiff continues his pharmacological therapy and daily sessions of respiratory and motor physiotherapy, to which he dedicates particular effort.
The treatments are producing visible results: in fact, there is an improvement not only in motor and respiratory functionality, but also in vocal expression. In particular, the intensity of oxygen administration has been reduced, which now occurs during the day in an ordinary form, while at night the use of high flows is resorted to only if necessary.
Clinical tests also show a slight decrease in infectious indicators, confirming a lung infection increasingly under control. However, the fungal infection remains more difficult to eradicate, which will still require time.
These days, Pope Francis is maintaining a protected routine, limited to brief activities and meetings with his closest collaborators. He has not yet left his apartment on the second floor of Casa Santa Marta. His mood is described as good and serene. This morning he followed the third Lenten sermon addressed to the Roman Curia via video link, and on Wednesday he attended live the mass celebrated by Cardinal Pietro Parolin for the twentieth anniversary of the death of John Paul II, symbolically also sending a candle to be placed on the tomb of the Saint.
As for the Angelus next Sunday, which coincides with the Jubilee of the Sick and the World of Health, the possibility of the Pope's participation in a different form than in recent weeks, when the message was read only in writing, is being considered.
A final decision, however, has not yet been made. What is more certain is that the homily of the mass will be signed by the Pope but read by Archbishop Rino Fisichella.
Finally, there remains the question mark over the rites of Holy Week and the possibility of a direct participation of the Pontiff. No official communication has been released, but some cardinals have already been put on pre-alert in case their presence as main celebrants is needed.
Meanwhile, the Pope also sent a greeting to the Slovak pilgrims who have come to the Vatican for the National Jubilee: “I would have very much liked to be present among you,” Francis wrote, “but I am still convalescing. I join you through prayer and with all my affection.”
A wish also shared by Father Roberto Pasolini, papal preacher, who dedicated to the Holy Father the Lenten meditation entitled “Knowing how to get up again”: “We hope,” he said, “that this strength with which Christ rose from death will also be infused into the Holy Father, to be able to get up again and take the helm of the Church again in this time of the Jubilee.”
Article published on 5 April 2025 - 11:10
It is good to know that Pope Francis is improving after his hospitalization. Therapy and physical therapy seem to be working well. I hope that he will soon be able to return to his daily activities and be present among the faithful.