Pope Francis’ Health Update: A Week of Recovery
Pope Francis’ health has shown significant improvement in the week following his discharge from the hospital, as reported by the Vatican on Tuesday. The pontiff spent an extensive 38 days at Policlinico A. Gemelli in Rome, where he received treatment for pneumonia and other infections. During this period, he faced two critical episodes—a breathing crisis and a bronchial spasm that resulted in the inhalation of vomit. These alarming incidents led doctors to express doubts about his chances of recovery; however, he defied the odds and was released on March 23 to continue his convalescence at the Vatican guesthouse.
On Tuesday, the Vatican provided an update indicating that the pope’s blood tests returned to normal levels, and a recent X-ray revealed a “slight improvement” in his lung condition. Although he still requires supplemental oxygen throughout the day, the Vatican noted that he can manage without it for short intervals. Additionally, the results of his motor and respiratory therapy have been encouraging, with reports of his voice becoming stronger and his mobility improving.
Since his hospital discharge, Pope Francis has not made any public appearances beyond a brief greeting to well-wishers from a balcony on the day he left the hospital. This fleeting appearance offered a poignant insight into the toll the recent health crisis has taken on the 88-year-old pontiff, as his voice was weak, his breathing labored, and he struggled to raise his hands for a blessing.
Upon his discharge, the medical team advised Francis to rest and focus on his recovery for at least two months. To date, it appears that he has largely adhered to their guidance. The Vatican has confirmed that he has not received any visitors since returning to the guesthouse. Nevertheless, he maintains a routine of celebrating Mass with fellow priests every morning and spends part of his day at his desk, engaged in work.
In the past week, Pope Francis has made notable strides in his duties. He has approved the canonization of Venezuela’s first female saint, as well as the first saint for Papua New Guinea, a region he visited last September during a demanding trip to the Asia-Pacific. Additionally, he has appointed several bishops and offered prayers for the victims of a powerful earthquake that struck Southeast Asia.
Reflecting on his own condition, Pope Francis shared his thoughts during his traditional Angelus prayer and blessing on Sunday. Due to his health limitations, he delivered a written message instead of his usual live address over St. Peter’s Square. In this message, he encouraged the faithful to perceive the Lenten season leading to Easter as a time for healing. “I too am experiencing it this way, in my soul and in my body,” he expressed in the written text published on the Vatican’s official website.
