Additional Coverage:
- Pope Francis set to bless crowds from hospital window in Rome following health improvement (irishstar.com)
Pope Francis, 86, recovering from pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, is expected to offer a blessing from his hospital window on Sunday just after noon. The Vatican confirmed the Pope’s plans to greet followers and share his blessing, with the text of his Angelus reflection being distributed as usual.
The Vatican reports the Pope is steadily reducing his reliance on supplemental oxygen during the day and continues to respond well to treatment. He celebrated Mass on Wednesday, marking both a significant Catholic feast day and the 12th anniversary of his papacy.
His hospitalization began on February 14th due to a serious lung infection that progressed to double pneumonia. He received respiratory and physical therapy and, after initially requiring a noninvasive ventilation mask, is now breathing more easily on his own. The Vatican has scaled back on health updates, with the next one expected Monday.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella sent a letter to the Pope commemorating the anniversary of his papacy and wishing him a swift recovery.
Over the past twelve years, Pope Francis has blended his informal style with the weighty responsibilities of his position. This has been evident even during his hospitalization, with the Vatican offering regular updates on his progress, providing a glimpse into the health challenges faced by an 86-year-old while simultaneously reassuring the 1.3 billion members of the Catholic Church of his continued leadership.