Status: 03/30/2023 3:32 p.m
The Vatican gives the all-clear: Pope Francis has apparently recovered well after being admitted to a clinic. But whether the head of the church can take part in the Easter ceremonies remains open.
After a night in the hospital, Pope Francis is doing better. This was announced by Matteo Bruni, spokesman for the Holy See. The pontiff, who was hospitalized for a respiratory infection, “recovered well,” said Bruni. His condition is “gradually improving and he is continuing the planned treatment”.
The 86-year-old read some newspapers in the morning and worked. In the private apartment within the clinic, he prayed in a small chapel and received the Eucharist.
treatments are ongoing
Francis has been in the Gemelli Hospital in Rome since Wednesday. Vatican spokesman Bruni said the pope would need treatment for several days after he recently had trouble breathing. Tests in the hospital would have shown an infection. It is not a Covid 19 disease.
Speculation about the nature of the infection
It remained unclear what kind of infection plagued the South American. The Ansa news agency reported bronchitis. A report by the newspaper “Corriere della Sera” about pneumonia was denied by other media. The Vatican did not comment on this.
According to consistent media reports, the Argentine also suffers from heart problems, which he felt after the general audience on Wednesday, among other things. His personal medical advisor, Massimiliano Strappetti, then recommended going to Gemelli Hospital. In addition to the diagnosis of the respiratory infection, tests did not yield any worrying findings, as the media said.
knee pain and bowel problems
The Pope has been suffering from health problems for a long time. He also had an operation on his intestines in July 2021 at Gemelli Hospital. Francis has also been struggling with knee pain for a long time. The 86-year-old has been using a cane or a wheelchair for months.
As a young man, the Pope had part of his lungs removed due to a respiratory infection. He has apparently survived the coronavirus pandemic so far without a positive test result.
Participation in ceremonies is unsafe
Shortly before Easter, many believers are worried about the head of the Catholic Church because of the renewed stay in the clinic. It was heard from Vatican circles that the Pope will probably not lead the service on Palm Sunday.
It is still unclear which church ceremonies of Holy Week and Easter days Francis can participate in. According to the broadcaster Rai, a cardinal will preside over the Mass in St. Peter’s Square on Palm Sunday and celebrate it.
Wishes for Francis’ recovery have been coming from all over the world since Wednesday evening. US President Joe Biden, himself a Catholic, called for prayers for Francis at a reception in the White House. Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella wished for a speedy recovery.