In a touching audio message from his hospital bed, Pope Francis expressed his gratitude to well-wishers worldwide for their prayers and support during his recovery from pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff recorded his message at Rome’s Gemelli hospital on 6 March 2024, highlighting his continuing efforts to maintain his duties even from hospital.
Stable Condition Yet Reserved Prognosis
According to recent updates from the Vatican, the pontiff’s health has shown signs of stability following a severe respiratory infection that required evolving treatments. He has not had any new episodes of respiratory distress and is receiving oxygen via a nasal cannula during the day, which allows for greater mobility.
- His doctors have paused regular health bulletins due to his stable condition.
- Pope Francis missed Ash Wednesday celebrations but conducted a blessing from his hospital suite.
- He had part of a lung removed in his youth, making him more vulnerable to lung infections.
Hospitalisation and Public Absence
This marks the first time in Francis’s 12-year papacy that he has been absent from public view for this long. He has typically greeted the faithful during his weekly Angelus prayer but has not made any appearances since being admitted on 14 February 2024. The Vatican announced that Cardinal Michael Czerny would lead a mass in place of the pope on the first Sunday of Lent.
Despite his health struggles, the Vatican remains optimistic. Previous reports indicated that although the pontiff’s prognosis was still considered reserved, the mood surrounding his recovery has been more positive lately. As he works on recovery, it’s clear that Pope Francis remains engaged with his responsibilities, continuing to approve new appointments even from the hospital.