Pontiff to offer blessing from hospital after five-week absence
Pope Francis will make his first public appearance since his hospitalization, offering a blessing and a wave from Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where he was admitted on February 14 due to breathing difficulties.
The 88-year-old pontiff has been battling pneumonia in both lungs since his hospitalization.
Vatican confirms Pope’s participation in Angelus prayers
“Pope Francis intends to wave and offer a blessing from the Agostino Gemelli hospital in Rome after Angelus prayers,” the Vatican announced on Saturday.
For the first time since his election in March 2013, the pope has missed five consecutive weeks of Angelus prayers, which are traditionally recited at midday (1100 GMT) every Sunday.
Francis has previously made public appearances from the Gemelli Hospital. On July 11, 2021, he recited the Angelus prayer from his balcony on the 10th floor following colon surgery.
Longest hospitalization raises concerns over Easter schedule
This hospital stay is the longest of Francis’s papacy, sparking concerns over who will lead key religious events ahead of Easter, the holiest period in the Christian calendar.
The Vatican’s press office stated on Wednesday that no final decisions had been made regarding the upcoming schedule.
That same day, officials confirmed that Francis had stopped using an oxygen mask, adding that his clinical condition was “improving.”
Speculation over resignation dismissed
Throughout his hospitalization, the Vatican has provided daily health updates, noting that Francis had part of one lung removed as a young man.
Despite his recovery, speculation continues over whether he might step down due to his frailty, following the precedent set by his predecessor, Benedict XVI.
However, on Monday, Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin stated that he had observed an improvement in Francis’s health during a visit.
When asked if discussions had occurred regarding the pope’s resignation, he responded, “No, no, no, absolutely not.”
Global prayers for Francis’s recovery
Catholics and well-wishers worldwide have been praying for the pope’s recovery. Many have gathered outside the Gemelli hospital, leaving flowers, candles, and messages of support.
