Pope Francis, who has been battling pneumonia, remains critically ill as he continues his hospitalization at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. The Vatican reported on Sunday, February 23, 2023, the 88-year-old pontiff is receiving high-flow oxygen therapy and has been monitored closely following his condition deteriorated due to double pneumonia. His health situation prompted an outpouring of support and prayers from worldwide Catholics and faithful.
According to the Vatican, Pope Francis was admitted on February 14 after experiencing difficulty breathing for several days, which initially stemmed from bronchitis. His symptoms progressed, resulting in pneumonia affecting both of his lungs. Since then, the Holy Father has been receiving supplemental oxygen and underwent blood transfusions, with reports indicating he had low platelet counts and mild renal insufficiency. Although this situation remains serious, the latest updates shared by the Vatican noted he has not had any additional respiratory crises overnight.
The medical bulletin stated, "The condition of the Holy Father remains serious; he is receiving high-flow oxygen therapy through a tube under his nose." Despite his limitations, the pope has been deemed "alert and well-oriented," and he participated in Mass with his aides on Sunday, marking his first active engagement since his hospitalization began.
Outside of the hospital, faith communities, including hundreds of people, gathered to pray for the pope's recovery. At Gemelli Hospital, attendees paid their respects by leaving flowers and lighting candles near the memorial of the late Pope John Paul II, who also received treatments at the facility during his papacy. The sense of urgency and concern for the pontiff was palpable, with visitors expressing their sadness and hopes for his recovery.
Vatican officials have urged the faithful to amplify their prayers for the pope's strength during this trying time. Archbishop Rino Fisichella emphasized, "Make your prayers for Francis stronger and more intense." Meanwhile, Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark observed, "On this feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, let’s pray the Holy Spirit continues to guide Pope Francis. May the Spirit grant him good health, courage, wisdom, and peace."
Doctors are being careful with their assessments, recognizing the complexity of Francis's health picture. They indicated the prognosis is still guarded, citing the risks associated with his bacterial pneumonia and his age, which complicates healing. Dr. Sergio Alfieri from Gemelli Hospital warned about the possibility of the lung infection exacerbated by his frailty, cautioning, "The biggest threat is sepsis, which could be very difficult to overcome."
During this hospitalization, the pope has faced challenges associated with his health history. Notably, he underwent lung surgery years ago, which has made him susceptible to pneumonia. He has battled various health concerns over recent years, including sciatica and chronic knee pain, but his current situation poses substantial worries for the Vatican and the Church.
Pope Francis took to express gratitude for the belief and prayers he has received from around the world. He relayed these sentiments through written messages since he has not been able to recite his weekly Angelus prayers at St. Peter's Square for two consecutive weeks. "I am confidently continuing my hospitalization at the Gemelli Hospital, carrying on with the necessary treatment; and rest is also part of the therapy," he conveyed. He also urged his followers, asking them to pray for him: "I entrust you all to the intercession of Mary, and I ask you to pray for me."
This time of reflection and spirituality is heightened as worldwide Catholics mark this moment with prayers. The Archdiocese of Buenos Aires called upon local parishes to organize Masses for Pope Francis’s recovery, underscoring the worldwide scale of concern. With his hospitalization entering its second week, the 14th of February will be noted as tying the record for the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy. His earlier hospitalization was prompted by intestinal surgery, adding another layer to the current concern for his health.
The Vatican continues to provide daily updates on Pope Francis’s condition as he remains under medical supervision. Their careful communication strives to maintain transparency about his health challenges, ensuring the public remains informed about the situation. Through these updates, worshippers are encouraged to unite in prayer, citing the power of faith and the collective hope for healing.
Despite the unpredictable nature of his situation, the pope's resilience and the global community’s fervent prayers signify the enduring bond among the Catholic faithful at this time of crisis.