Pope Francis Sits Up, Receives Therapy as Prayers Pour In for Recovery/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Pope Francis, hospitalized with double pneumonia, remains in critical condition but sat upright for therapy on Wednesday. Pilgrims and Argentines in Rome held prayer vigils, while Vatican operations continued with new bishop appointments and a fundraising initiative. Doctors say no new respiratory crises have occurred since Saturday.
Pope Francis Health Update Quick Looks
- Pope Francis, 88, is being treated for double pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since Feb. 14.
- Sat upright in his hospital room for therapy; remains critically ill but stable.
- Vatican business continues: Appointed four new bishops and launched a fundraising initiative.
- Pilgrims light candles and leave get-well cards at the hospital’s St. John Paul II statue.
- Bishop Villalonga led 50 Spanish pilgrims to pray near the hospital.
- Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re to lead a prayer vigil in St. Peter’s Square.
- Argentine community in Rome gathers in special Masses for the pope’s recovery.
- Vatican awaiting results of a CT scan to assess lung infection progress.
Pope Francis Sits Up, Receives Therapy as Prayers Pour In for Recovery
Deep Look
ROME — Pope Francis, battling double pneumonia, sat upright Wednesday at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital as faithful from around the world prayed for his recovery. The 88-year-old pontiff remains in critical condition but stable, with no new respiratory crises since Saturday, the Vatican said.
Francis’ Health and Treatment
Hospitalized since Feb. 14 after his bronchitis worsened, Francis has been undergoing therapy while doctors monitor his fragile condition. A CT scan conducted Tuesday night aimed to assess the extent of his lung infection, with results expected soon.
Despite his illness, Francis continues to govern the Vatican from his hospital room. On Wednesday, the Vatican confirmed he:
- Appointed four new bishops, decisions reportedly approved before his hospitalization.
- Launched a fundraising initiative to address the Holy See’s financial challenges.
Pilgrims Turn Gemelli Hospital into a Place of Prayer
Outside the hospital, the St. John Paul II statue has become a makeshift pilgrimage site. Visitors light candles and leave heartfelt messages.
“When a family member is sick, being close matters,” said Bishop Gerardo Villalonga of Spain, leading 50 pilgrims to pray near the hospital.
Argentine expatriates held a special Mass at Rome’s Argentine church Tuesday night, led by Cardinal Baldassarre Reina, the pope’s vicar for Rome.
“I can’t visit him physically, but through prayer, I know I am embracing him,” said Father Fernando Laguna, rector of the Argentine church.
Vatican Routines Persist Amid Health Concerns
Even during his hospital stay, Francis’s leadership remains visible:
- Four new bishops appointed to strengthen Church governance.
- Approval of a new fundraising entity to secure Vatican finances.
“The announcements reflect Pope Francis’s continued governance,” said Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni.
Prayer Vigils and a Nation’s Concern
As St. Peter’s Square prepares for a prayer vigil led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, attention has turned to the cardinal’s significance in the Church’s hierarchy. Re, 91, extended in his role by Francis, plays a pivotal role in any future conclave.
“We are united in prayer for the pope’s swift recovery,” Re said ahead of the vigil.
A Personal Connection for Many
Argentine Sister Nilda Trejo, who has followed Francis’s health for years, said:
“He’s always had breathing difficulties, but he speaks to the people’s hearts. That connection matters now more than ever.”
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