Pope Francis Set to Make First Public Appearance from Hospital After Battling Pneumonia
Pope Francis is scheduled to make his first public appearance on Sunday, March 22, as he waves and offers a blessing from Rome's Gemelli hospital. The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted on February 14 due to breathing problems and has been fighting pneumonia affecting both lungs. The Vatican announced that Francis intends to wave and deliver a blessing following the Angelus prayers, which he usually presides over at midday every Sunday.
This Sunday marks a significant moment, as the pope has not been able to recite the Angelus prayers for five consecutive weeks, a first since his election in March 2013. Notably, he has made previous public appearances from the Gemelli hospital, including an event on July 11, 2021, when he recited the prayers from a balcony after undergoing colon surgery.
Francis's current hospitalization is the longest of his papacy, raising concerns about who will lead the numerous religious events in the lead-up to Easter, the most sacred period for Christians. The Vatican's press office indicated that no final decisions have been made regarding this issue yet. Furthermore, it reported that the pope has suspended the use of an oxygen mask and that his clinical condition is showing signs of improvement.
Throughout most of his hospital stay, the Vatican has been providing daily health updates on the pope, who had part of one lung removed in his youth. Despite the positive developments, there remains speculation about a possible resignation due to the pope's fragile health, echoing the precedent set by his predecessor, Benedict XVI.
On Monday, Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin expressed optimism regarding Francis's health after a personal visit, although he dismissed suggestions that discussions of resignation had taken place, stating, 'No no no, absolutely not.'
Across the globe, many Catholics and others have been praying for the pope's swift recovery, leaving flowers, candles, and notes outside the hospital in a show of solidarity and support.
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