Ailing Pope Francis to Grace Public Space on Sunday... Eventually
- Pope Francis delivers a public address on the weekend.
In a surprising twist, Pope Francis, who's been bedridden for weeks due to a nasty lung infection, will grace the public eye once more... kinda. The Vatican has announced that ol' Popey will put in an appearance at the Gemelli Clinic in Rome for the traditional Angelus prayer, aiming to greet and bless his faithful followers.
But hold your horses, Christianity fans! Though the Vatican didn't spill the beans on where exactly we'll see His Holiness—whether he'll be holed up in his hospital room window or flung out on a balcony—the Italian press is giving us their two cents and thinks it'll be the latter. Can't blame 'em. Remember when Pope John Paul II (1920-2005) graced us with his visage from his hospital window during his numerous sojourns in sick bay? Or how about when Francis himself popped up on a balcony after colon surgery in 2021? Nice views, those hospital balconies.
Unfortunately, due to his fragile health, Francis won't lead the Angelus prayer on Sunday (as he usually does on St. Peter's Square before a giddy horde of believers), but fear not, weary souls! The Vatican has been publishing the prayer written every week since His Holiness's hospitalization.
But what happens once Popey gets sprung from the Gemelli Clinic? Cardinal Victor Fernandez, the dodgy guy who runs the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and is like Francis' BFF, has some insights: a brand new chapter for Francis' pontificate awaits. Any guesses as to what could be in store? A surprise resignation, according to the gossip mill? Nah, apparently not, says Fernandez. He did, however, suggest that Francis has picked up some valuable nuggets during his hospital stay that'll benefit the Church and the world.
But don't pop open the bubbly just yet, spring breakers! Although Francis is responding well to treatment, he's still on oxygen and will need to relearn how to hold a conversation without huffing and puffing. Fernandez hasn't officially met up with Francis in his hospital room, but they've been keeping in touch. Remember that audio message that Francis so bravely whispered from his sick bed? Yeah, turns out he needed a little extra help to get that one out.
As for any Easter celebrations in the Vatican this coming April, no one's saying. We'll just have to cross our fingers and toes and hope that Popey's convalescence allows him to join the festivities.
And now, a little more insight into Popey's condition: those doctors have warned him to steer clear of crowds to ensure a smooth recovery. So, no tripping off to Turkey anytime soon, my friends. But hey, with Pope Francis, you never know, eh?
- Fox News, "Pope Francis returns to Vatican after hospital stay for emergency colon surgery."
- Reuters, "Pope Francis' hospital stay extended, a symptom of a more infirm Vatican."
- Given the Pope's prolonged hospitalization, the Vatican might need to reevaluate its community policy regarding the protection and care of its leadership, ensuring the health and safety of the Pope following his discharge.
- The Italian press could influence the employment policy for the Pope's public appearances, as they speculate he might address his followers from a hospital balcony, similar to previous occasions, much to the delight of his faithful followers.
- As the Pope continues his recovery and adapts to his changed health condition, he may require additional assistance in carrying out his duties, leading to potential changes in the employment policy for the Holy See, ensuring the Pope can effectively perform his tasks while respecting his health.
