Pope Francis Focuses on Church Reforms as Health Improves in Hospital/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ As Pope Francis enters his fifth week in the hospital recovering from double pneumonia, he remains focused on his signature church reform initiative. Working from Rome’s Gemelli hospital, the 88-year-old pontiff approved a three-year plan to implement and evaluate key Vatican reforms aimed at making the Catholic Church more inclusive and responsive. The Vatican has reduced the frequency of medical updates, citing positive recovery signs, though doctors caution that his condition remains complex due to his age and past lung issues.
Pope Francis’ Recovery & Reform Efforts: Quick Looks
- Pope Francis Remains Hospitalized: The pontiff continues treatment for double pneumonia, now in week five of his stay at Rome’s Gemelli hospital.
- Focus on Church Reform: Despite his illness, Francis approved a three-year plan for his longstanding mission to modernize the Catholic Church.
- Health Updates Less Frequent: The Vatican has reduced medical updates, signaling stable recovery but emphasizing ongoing concerns.
- Pope Participates in Spiritual Exercises: He took part in Lenten reflections while keeping a lighter workload.
- Only Public Sign Since Hospitalization: A recorded message in a weak but grateful voice was played in St. Peter’s Square for faithful gathered in prayer.
Pope Francis Focuses on Church Reforms as Health Improves in Hospital
Deep Look:
Pope Francis Continues Church Reform Work While Recovering from Pneumonia
Despite spending over a month in the hospital, Pope Francis remains focused on shaping the future of the Catholic Church.
Church Reform Takes Center Stage
From his hospital room at Gemelli, Francis has approved a long-term plan to implement Vatican reforms aimed at creating a more welcoming and modern Catholic Church.
- The Vatican’s synod office released a timetable extending through 2028.
- The plan emphasizes inclusivity, responsiveness, and structural changes.
- The pope personally approved the next phase of reforms last week.
Health Updates: Signs of Progress, But No Timeline for Discharge
What We Know About His Health So Far:
- Doctors confirm that his infection is clearing based on an X-ray taken earlier this week.
- He is no longer in critical condition, though his age, past lung surgery, and mobility issues complicate recovery.
- He continues respiratory therapy, alternating between high-flow oxygen and a non-invasive ventilator mask at night.
- Doctors have not provided an estimated discharge date.
Challenges and Setbacks During Hospitalization
Francis was admitted on Feb. 14 due to bronchitis, which later developed into double pneumonia and a polymicrobial infection. His first three weeks in the hospital were filled with complications, including:
- Respiratory distress episodes
- Mild kidney failure
- Severe coughing fits
This week, doctors canceled a planned medical update, suggesting that there were no major developments in either direction.
Pope Remains Engaged Despite Illness
Even from the hospital, Francis has remained active in spiritual and Vatican affairs.
- He participated in Lenten reflections remotely.
- He marked his 12th anniversary as pope by receiving a cake and well wishes.
- He recorded an audio message thanking supporters for their prayers.
However, his voice in the message was notably weak and labored, reflecting the toll of his illness.
What’s Next for Pope Francis?
- More Vatican reforms are set to roll out over the next three years.
- The Vatican will likely release another medical update this weekend.
- His traditional Sunday blessing has remained a written statement—raising questions about when he will return to public appearances.
While the pope’s health remains delicate, his commitment to church reform remains strong. Whether from the Vatican or a hospital bed, Francis continues to shape the future of Catholic leadership.
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