format(webp))
Catholics pray for healing as the sick pope treats hospitalized saints.
Pope Francis, despite battling pneumonia in both lungs during a 12-day hospital stay, has continued his papal duties. From his hospital suite at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, he approved the canonization of two new saints—one from Venezuela and one from Italy. He also initiated the process toward sainthood for three 19th-century priests from Spain, Italy, and Poland. The Vatican reported a slight improvement in his condition, while believers worldwide continue to pray for his recovery.
VATICAN CITY, Holy See – While recovering from pneumonia in both lungs, Pope Francis has approved the canonization of two new saints from his hospital bed, the Vatican announced on Tuesday.
Despite his serious condition, the 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church, which has nearly 1.4 billion followers worldwide, has remained actively involved in Church affairs during his 12-day hospitalization. Believers across the globe continue to pray for his recovery.
The Vatican reported a “slight improvement” in the pope’s health on Monday evening. On Tuesday, it confirmed that he had met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, and Venezuelan Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra, his deputy, the previous day.
Pope Francis authorized the canonization of two laymen from Venezuela and Italy, who passed away in the early 20th century, and initiated the sainthood process for three 19th-century priests from Spain, Italy, and Poland.
Operating from his suite on the 10th floor of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he was admitted on February 14 due to breathing difficulties, the pope has remained committed to his work.
Hopes for Recovery Amid Health Challenges
Catholics around the world have continued to pray for Pope Francis, with many hopeful that he is on the path to recovery. However, doctors warn that his recovery could be a lengthy process.
The Vatican’s latest update on Monday brought a sense of optimism, stating that the pope had not suffered any further respiratory complications requiring high-flow oxygen. His lab results had also shown improvement.
In addition to his Vatican duties, Francis has maintained his outreach efforts, including a phone call to the Gaza parish priest, continuing a practice he has upheld since the war began.
Despite these positive signs, his medical team remains cautious, emphasizing that his condition is still delicate. They have refrained from making any predictions about his prognosis, given the complexity of his health issues.
On Monday evening, hundreds of Catholics gathered in St. Peter’s Square under light rain, while cardinals led a rosary prayer for the pope’s health.
Honduran Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga, a former coordinator of the pope’s Council of Cardinals, expressed optimism, telling La Repubblica that he believes Pope Francis will overcome this challenge.
“It’s not yet time for him to go to heaven,” Maradiaga remarked, adding that the pope is a determined leader who does not waver in the face of difficulties.
Global Support and Prayers
Outside the hospital, well-wishers have left candles and photos, while Gemelli’s chaplain led a special prayer on Monday.
In Buenos Aires, where Pope Francis previously served as archbishop before becoming pope in 2013, hundreds gathered to pray for his recovery. Archbishop Jorge Garcia Cuerva described Francis’s leadership as a much-needed “breath of oxygen” in a world overwhelmed by violence and exclusion.
“Let our prayer be that breath of fresh air that reaches his lungs so that he can recover his health,” he urged. A special prayer service for the pope was also scheduled for Tuesday evening at an Argentine church in Rome.
Leaders from around the world have also expressed their support. At the White House on Monday, former U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged the seriousness of the pope’s health condition, stating, “We do want him to get well if that’s possible.” Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro sent Francis a letter, calling him an “ethical leader of humanity” who is respected across different faiths.
A Lengthy Recovery Ahead
Doctors caution that the pope’s recovery will take time and that he is expected to remain in the hospital beyond this week.
Having had part of one lung removed in his youth, Pope Francis has struggled with respiratory issues in recent years. His health complications include a tendency toward bronchitis, mobility challenges due to knee and hip pain, and reliance on a wheelchair.
Massimo Andreoni, a leading infectious disease specialist in Italy, explained that double pneumonia typically takes at least two weeks for a young person to recover from. Given the pope’s age and existing health conditions, his full recovery could take even longer.
What's Your Reaction?
