THE Vatican has released an update on Pope Francis’ health after the 88-year-old’s condition suddenly worsened in hospital.
Francis is currently in a stable condition after being admitted to a hospital in Rome on February 14. However, the Holy See has mentioned that his “prognosis remains reserved.”
The Press Office of the Holy See simply said: “The Pope rested well all night.”
It comes after the Holy Father suffered a breathing crisis from an isolated bronchospasm on Friday.
The Vatican said Francis had “an episode of vomiting with inhalation and a sudden worsening of the respiratory condition.”
He was initially diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs.
Monday morning’s good news continues a string of positive days for Francis and could show that he is improving.
On Sunday, the Vatican secretary of state said that Francis thanked doctors and well-wishers and also prayed for peace in Ukraine.
Francis said in his message: “From here, war appears even more absurd.”
He added that he was living his hospitalisation as an “experience of profound solidarity” with people who are “sick and suffering everywhere”.
In a statement, Francis expressed his deep belief in finding blessings within moments of vulnerability, stating that such moments strengthen one’s trust in the Lord.
“At the same time, I thank God for giving me the opportunity to share in body and spirit the condition of so many sick and suffering people.”
Francis was also able to read the Sunday papers and had coffee and breakfast while continuing with his therapy.
But the Vatican has announced that Pope Francis will not lead the annual Ash Wednesday service on March 5, marking the beginning of Lent.
Amidst concerns for his health, crowds have been gathering in St. Peter’s Square to pray for his recovery. Additionally, visitors at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he is receiving treatment, have been pausing to offer prayers at the statue of St. John Paul II located at the hospital’s main entrance.
How will the next Pope be chosen?
THE next Pope is chosen through a process called a Papal Conclave, which takes place after the current Pope dies or resigns.
Here’s how it works:
- The College of Cardinals is summoned to the Vatican
- The cardinals meet in the Sistine Chapel and vote by a secret ballot
- They will prepare for the upcoming papal elections – called a conclave
- These Catholic leaders will vote once on the first days and four times a day on each additional day
- This vote will continue until one candidate gets two-thirds of the vote
- The nominee must then accept the offer and choose their new papal name
- This outcome will be confirmed to the public when white smoke burns out of the Sistine Chapel chimney
