Pope Francis continues to navigate serious health issues, following recent reports of complications related to his battle with double pneumonia. After being hospitalized on February 14, the pontiff experienced what the Vatican has termed a "sudden worsening of his respiratory condition" characterized by an "isolated attack of bronchospasm." This resulted in the inhalation of vomit, prompting medical staff to implement non-invasive mechanical ventilation to assist with his breathing.
Despite the alarming incident, the Vatican has assured the public of the Pope's alertness and cooperation during his treatment. "He is conscious, alert, and oriented," read the statement from the Vatican. His prognosis, though improving somewhat, remains "uncertain" and guards against declaring him entirely out of danger. A recovery timeline is projected to take 24 to 48 hours, allowing for the medical team to ascertain the situation's impact.
On Thursday, the Pope had shown promising signs of improvement. He participated actively in respiratory physiotherapy sessions and was able to receive the Eucharist after prayer before his private chapel, allowing him to conduct some routine Vatican responsibilities from his hospital room. "The indication of improvement, albeit slight, showcases the need for continued clinical stability to allow us to revise his prognosis," officials stated.
The Vatican has reported earlier this month about challenges surrounding its financial health. Prior to his hospitalization, Pope Francis had been working to address the Vatican’s long-standing financial issues, which stem from rising operational deficits, including substantial liabilities within the pension fund, estimated at around €631 million as of last year. His agenda also included restructuring the modes of income generation, particularly through enhancing donation solicitations from various channels, including laity and bishops' conferences.
To tackle these challenges, the Pope announced the creation of the "Commission on Donations for the Holy See," tasked with identifying potential donors and sources of income. The impetus for this initiative arose from internal resistance within the Roman Curia to budget cuts and calls for seeking external financial assistance, which led to tensions among Vatican cardinals during discussions before his admission to the hospital.
During this period of recuperation, major Vatican appointments have unfolded, indicative of the Pope’s enduring influence. Despite being hospitalized, he has exercised his authority to slightly modify the "Fundamental Law of Vatican City State" to allow the new president of Vatican City State, Sister Raffaella Petrini, to appoint two secretaries-general rather than one. Sister Petrini, who was appointed to begin her term on March 1, is the first female president of the governing body.
Pope Francis' continuous management of Vatican affairs from the hospital reveals his commitment to governance, even amid health setbacks. He has issued directives and maintained communication with Vatican staff, emphasizing the need for organized assistance under Sister Petrini as she oversees operational tasks concerning various services such as health, communications, and infrastructure.
Despite the challenges posed by his declining health, there’s considerable hope among the faithful. Many Catholics, not only from Italy but across the globe, have gathered to pray for the Pope's recovery. Vigils have emerged across different countries, echoing sentiments from devotees like Lili Iparea Fernandez from Mexico, who expressed her faith, saying, "We firmly believe the Pope will recover because he is a very strong man. I invite everyone to believe firmly, with certainty, with confidence, with hope, and to pray for his wellbeing.”
The Pope’s declining health has raised questions about the upcoming calendar of events, particularly with the Lenten season approaching. With the Vatican having confirmed the cancellation of his Ash Wednesday service scheduled for the beginning of Lent, it remains uncertain whether he will resume his regular public appearances prior to Easter. Observers are particularly focused on the upcoming celebrations and whether the Pope will preside over significant events, including the canonization of Carlo Acutis, the first millennial saint, during the April 20 ceremonies.
Reports surrounding the financial proceedings of the Vatican remain pressing. The recent spike in tourism during the Catholic Holy Year is seen as pivotal to possibly alleviating some financial burden, expected to garner up to €32 million from museum admissions alone. Nevertheless, experts caution this revenue may not suffice to offset the existing operational shortfall, especially with the pandemic reducing income flows over the past few years.
Rev. Tom Reese, a prominent Jesuit commentator, noted, “The budget problems are going to force the Vatican to do things it doesn’t want to do.” Increased tourism, he remarked, would not significantly impact the current deficit. "It's not like the Pope is charging $1,000 per pilgrim," he quipped, emphasizing the limitations posed by the prevailing financial stress.
Looking at the bigger picture, the Vatican’s condition reflects the Pope's urgent need to address financial sustainability within the Holy See. With the Catholic Church confronting both potential budget cuts and declining operational capabilities, the situation calls for strategic financial management to secure Brussels’ future viability.
Prayers for Pope Francis's health and for the stabilization of the Vatican's financial condition are rampant, with both concerns deeply intertwined. His leadership over the Catholic Church continues to draw interest as he manages day-to-day affairs amid personal health challenges. The path forward remains uncertain, though for many Catholics, the guiding light of their beloved pontiff persists, urging them all to seek hope and faith.