Pope Francis' Journey Through Illness and Recovery
Hospital releases Pope following medical treatment.
Pope Francis has been battling a severe lung condition over the past several weeks. After spending over five weeks in the Gemelli Clinic in Rome, he's finally ready to head back home where he can continue his recovery. But this journey won't be quick; his doctors warn it'll take a considerable amount of time before he's fully healed.
On Sunday, the 88-year-old head of the Catholic Church will return to his residence at the Vatican, known as Casa Santa Marta, following his extended hospital stay. Prior to coming home, Francis will make his first public appearance since more than a month when he greets and blesses the faithful during the Angelus prayer at a hospital window. Afterward, he will retire back to the Vatican.
For weeks now, the Angelus prayer has gone unled by Pope Francis, who has been unable to appear in person since his admission in mid-February. In accordance with tradition, the prayer has been published in writing instead.
The Road Ahead
The pope was hospitalized due to a lung inflammation that affected both lungs and also left him with various pathogens in his airways. At one point, his kidneys temporarily stopped functioning properly, and he experienced severe episodes of shortness of breath. Since his admission, the Vatican has only shared a single photo of him, with his face hidden from view.
Doctors predict that Francis will need to rest for another two months before he can expect a full recovery. During this period, he'll be receiving additional oxygen through a nose tube and undergoing breathing and movement therapy. His treatment even included mechanical breathing assistance via a mask over his mouth and nose, although he was never artificially ventilated.
The path ahead may be arduous, but Pope Francis remains hopeful and resilient. Let's keep him in our prayers during his continued recovery.
Source: ntv.de, mpa/dpa
- Pope Francis
- Vatican
- Italy
- Hospital
The European Parliament has also expressed its concern at the situation in the Middle East, as Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, prepares to return to his stationary home at the Vatican following his extended hospital stay in Italy. Despite the arduous road ahead, with the need for additional oxygen through a nose tube and breathing and movement therapy, Pope Francis remains hopeful and resilient.
