The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, will not lead the Angelus prayer this Sunday as he continues to receive treatment for pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli hospital.
This marks the second consecutive week the 88-year-old pontiff has missed the prayer, with the Vatican confirming on Saturday that his message will be published instead of being read aloud.
Initially admitted on February 14 for what was believed to be bronchitis, Pope Francis was later diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs.
His condition sparked widespread concern given his history of health issues, including colon and hernia surgeries, chronic hip and knee pain, and the necessity of a wheelchair for mobility.
Key Updates on Pope Francis’s Health
The Pope remains hospitalized as he undergoes treatment for double pneumonia. One of his doctors, as reported by AP, confirmed that he is “not yet out of danger” and will stay in the hospital for at least another week.
General surgeon Sergio Alfieri from Gemelli University Hospital stated on Friday that while Francis is stable, “the chronic illness remains.”
He further explained, “Is he out of danger? No. But if the question is ‘is he in danger of death?’, the answer is [also] ‘no.’”
Doctors have been closely monitoring his condition, which initially appeared to be bronchitis but later developed into a more complex respiratory tract infection.
The Vatican’s health update on Saturday was notably brief, merely stating that “Pope Francis rested well.” It did not mention details about his meals, but doctors have slightly reduced his medication as his condition improves.
Concerns about whether Pope Francis can continue leading the Catholic Church have surfaced, though Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin dismissed such discussions as “useless speculation” in an interview with Corriere della Sera.
The pontiff is responding to an intensified drug therapy after doctors diagnosed him with a multifaceted respiratory infection caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
While sepsis, an infection spreading into the bloodstream, remains a major concern, doctors confirmed there is no evidence of it at this time.
Francis is receiving supplemental oxygen via a nasal cannula when needed, but is not dependent on any other medical machinery, according to AP.
Speculation on a Possible Resignation
The Pope’s hospitalization has reignited discussions about a potential resignation if his health deteriorates further.
On Thursday, some cardinals addressed the question, referencing how Pope Benedict XVI’s retirement set a precedent.
Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, the Archbishop of Marseille, noted, “Everything is possible.”
Pope Francis himself acknowledged in 2022 that he had written a resignation letter early in his papacy in case a medical condition rendered him unable to fulfill his duties.
However, there is no indication that he is currently incapacitated or considering stepping down.
History of Health Challenges
Francis has a history of respiratory issues, having battled an acute case of pneumonia in 2023. Throughout his nearly 12-year papacy, he has undergone multiple hospitalizations, including a 10-day stay in 2021 for colon surgery and a nine-day admission in 2023 for hernia repair.
For now, the Vatican continues to monitor his health closely, while the Pope remains under medical supervision as he recovers.
