Pope Francis, currently hospitalized for double pneumonia, will not make a public appearance on Sunday to conduct his regular prayer with pilgrims for the second week in a row, according to the Vatican.
The Pope was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome on February 14 after suffering from breathing difficulties for several days.
His medical team has provided varying updates regarding his condition, informing reporters on Friday that, although he remains in a precarious state, he is not facing a life-threatening situation at this time.
Pope Francis, who is currently receiving treatment for double pneumonia, will not be making a public appearance this Sunday to lead his customary prayer with pilgrims, marking the second consecutive week he has been absent, as reported by the Vatican.
The Pope was hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital in Rome on February 14 due to breathing difficulties that had persisted for several days.
His medical team has issued mixed updates about his health, stating on Friday that while he is in a delicate condition, he is not in immediate danger of life-threatening complications.
The Vatican released a concise statement on Saturday indicating that the pope had “rested well” during the night. However, in contrast to the previous two days, there was no information provided regarding whether he had risen or eaten breakfast.
Subsequently, the Holy See press office announced that the text of the Sunday Angelus prayer would be published instead of being delivered live.
This is thought to be the first instance in which he has missed two consecutive Angelus prayers due to health concerns. Following intestinal surgery in 2021, he was able to lead the Angelus just one week later, and he missed one public Sunday prayer in 2023 after undergoing another procedure.
The Vatican has refrained from publishing any images of the 88-year-old pope since his hospitalization earlier this month, citing privacy concerns as stated by his medical team.
Double pneumonia is a severe infection that can lead to inflammation and scarring in both lungs, resulting in breathing difficulties. The Vatican has characterized the pope’s condition as “complex,” indicating that it is due to the presence of multiple micro-organisms.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, a senior physician at Gemelli, informed reporters on Friday that “the pope is not out of danger. The situation could go either way.”
Francis, who has held the papacy since 2013, has experienced health challenges over the past two years. His susceptibility to lung infections stems from a history of pleurisy in his youth, which resulted in the removal of a portion of one lung.
Due to these health concerns, at least one cardinal has indicated that resignation could be a possibility if the pope feels he can no longer fulfill his duties.
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Nonetheless, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state often regarded as the deputy pope, characterized such discussions as “unproductive speculation.”
“Our focus is currently on the Holy Father’s health, his recovery, and his eventual return to the Vatican. These are the only priorities,” Parolin stated in an interview with the Corriere della Sera.
