Pope Francis Returns to Vatican Amid Health Concerns and Calls for Prayer
Pope Francis is set to return to his residence in the Vatican on the afternoon of Sunday, March 23, following a five-week hospitalization due to pneumonia. Doctors have advised that the Vatican is the preferable environment for his recovery, as stated by the Vatican's spokesperson. Just before his return, the pontiff will make a public appearance outside the hospital to bless and wave at well-wishers, marking his first public engagement since February 14.
At 88 years old, the head of the Catholic Church has expressed his joy at the improvement in his health, allowing him to leave Rome's Gemelli Hospital. However, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, one of the medical team, warned that Francis faces a recovery period of at least two months. He emphasized that further progress will occur in a home setting, explaining, "A hospital, even if it seems strange, is the worst place to recover because it is where one can contract more infections."
Despite the positive news of his release, Alfieri was clear that the pope's return to his usual duties would not be immediate, stating, "Convalescence by definition is a period of rest." This has raised questions about who will lead the scheduled religious events leading up to Easter, a significant time in the Christian calendar, as the pope has missed five consecutive Angelus prayers since his hospitalization.
While the Vatican had not provided other updates until the pope’s impending return, they did release a photo of him last week praying in a chapel situated within his hospital room. During his hospitalization, which was the longest of his papacy, many worldwide have shown their support, leaving flowers, candles, and notes outside the Gemelli Hospital.
On March 6, an audio recording was made public in which the pope, sounding weak, thanked those praying for his recovery. His hospitalization was marked by moments of serious concern, as he spent weeks on assisted breathing. Notably, he experienced critical periods where his life was reportedly in jeopardy but remained conscious throughout the ordeal. After a month of treatment, he was finally declared out of danger.
As he convalesces, Francis will require physical rehabilitation to restore his voice, which has been affected by the bilateral pneumonia. Dr. Alfieri noted that recovering the strength of respiratory muscles takes time, adding to the challenges facing the pope. There is growing concern regarding the pope's health and speculation about his potential resignation, following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Benedict XVI. However, Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin dismissed these rumors, stating firmly, "No, no, no, absolutely not."
As the world waits to witness Pope Francis's return to spiritual leadership, many continue to pray for his full recovery and future guidance during a critical liturgical time.
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