Pope Francis Marks Lent While Battling Health Issues

Pope Francis Marks Lent While Battling Health Issues \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Pope Francis continued his physical and respiratory therapy as his condition remained stable on Ash Wednesday. Despite his hospitalization for double pneumonia, he received ashes and Holy Communion and made a solidarity call to a priest in Gaza. The Vatican launched Lent without the pope’s presence, as a cardinal led Ash Wednesday services in his place. Global prayers continue for the 88-year-old pontiff’s recovery.

Quick Looks

• Pope Francis remains hospitalized, receiving oxygen therapy and physical therapy as part of his recovery from double pneumonia.
• No respiratory crises occurred Wednesday, but his doctors remain cautious due to his chronic lung condition.
• He received ashes and Holy Communion, participating in Ash Wednesday celebrations from his hospital room.
• The pope called Rev. Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest in Gaza, marking their third conversation since his hospitalization.
• A cardinal led Ash Wednesday services in Rome, reading a homily expressing solidarity with the ailing pope.
• Lent began without Pope Francis’ presence, but the Vatican affirmed his spiritual communion with the faithful.
• A Vatican retreat will proceed without Francis, as the pope focuses on his recovery.
• Global prayers continue, with Catholics expressing concern and hope for his recovery.

Deep Look

Pope Francis’ Condition: A Delicate Recovery

Despite his ongoing battle with double pneumonia, Pope Francis remained active in faith and leadership on Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent.

The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized since February 14, and while he experienced two respiratory crises earlier in the week, his condition on Wednesday remained stable.

• Doctors continue treating him with oxygen therapy, administered via a nasal tube during the day and a non-invasive mechanical mask at night.
• The Vatican announced he has increased physical therapy, ensuring that his prolonged hospitalization does not lead to further health complications.
• While his prognosis remains uncertain, the Vatican has emphasized that his recovery is progressing without additional setbacks.

Ash Wednesday: Pope Francis Observes Lent from Hospital

Although he was unable to lead Vatican Ash Wednesday services, Pope Francis still participated from his hospital room.

• He received ashes and Holy Communion, symbolizing his spiritual participation in the beginning of Lent.
• A cardinal took his place at the traditional Ash Wednesday Mass in Rome, marking the start of the 40-day penitential season leading up to Easter on April 20.
• Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, who led the service, opened the homily with words of solidarity and gratitude for the pope:“We feel deeply united with him in this moment, and we thank him for the offering of his prayer and his suffering for the good of the entire church in all the world.”

This Ash Wednesday marked the first time in his papacy that Pope Francis was absent from the Lenten season’s opening ceremony.

A Personal Call to Gaza: Pope Francis Reaches Out Amid War

Despite his fragile condition, Francis remained engaged in global matters, making a personal phone call to Gaza’s parish priest, Rev. Gabriel Romanelli.

• This marks the third time he has spoken to Romanelli since his hospitalization.
• Holy Family Church in Gaza has been a refuge for Christians amid the ongoing war, and Francis has previously expressed deep concern for civilians caught in the conflict.

His continued outreach highlights his commitment to the suffering worldwide, even while facing his own health struggles.

Vatican Opens Lent Without Pope Francis

The Catholic Church officially began Lent, but for the first time during his papacy, Pope Francis was absent from the observance.

• A cardinal led a penitential procession between two churches on Rome’s Aventine Hill.
• The homily focused on mortality, a theme especially poignant given Francis’ delicate health.“The condition of fragility reminds us of the tragedy of death,” De Donatis said.
  “Death imposes itself as a reality with which we have to reckon, a sign of the precariousness and brevity of our lives.”

Papal Retreat Proceeds Without Francis

The Vatican confirmed that a spiritual retreat for senior church officials will continue without Pope Francis’ physical presence.

• The retreat’s theme, “Hope in eternal life,” was chosen before the pope’s illness.
• While Francis will not attend, the Vatican emphasized that he will join in “spiritual communion.”

Global Prayers for Pope Francis’ Recovery

As news of his condition spreads, Catholics worldwide have voiced their concern and are offering prayers for his recovery.

• Pilgrims visiting the Vatican have expressed both worry and hope.
• Yuris Asis, a visitor from Colombia, said:“We are all praying for the pope because his condition is serious.”
• Emanuele Di Martino, an Italian pilgrim, shared:“We trust that he will get well, but we know his condition is not the best.”

Conclusion: A Pope Leading in Suffering and Prayer

Though physically weakened, Pope Francis continues his role as a spiritual leader, participating in Ash Wednesday traditions and reaching out to the suffering in Gaza.

With his condition still guarded, the coming days will be critical for his recovery.

As Lent begins, the faithful continue to pray for his healing and strength, hoping for his return to public ministry in the weeks ahead.

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