Pope Francis to Make Public Appearance from Hospital
First Public Appearance from Hospital
Pope Francis will make his first public appearance on Sunday, waving and offering a blessing from Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where he was admitted on February 14 with breathing problems. The 88-year-old pontiff has been battling pneumonia in both lungs after being hospitalised.
Longest Hospitalization in Papacy
The current hospitalization is the longest in Francis’s papacy, raising questions over who might lead the busy schedule of religious events leading up to Easter, the holiest period in the Christian calendar. The Vatican’s press office has not made any definite decisions on this matter yet.
Improving Condition
The Vatican announced on Wednesday that Francis had suspended the use of an oxygen mask, stating that his clinical condition was "improving." The Vatican had been publishing daily bulletins on the health of Francis, who had part of one lung removed as a young man.
Speculation About Resignation
Despite Francis’s improvement, speculation abounds that he could step down due to his fragility, following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Benedict XVI. However, Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin dismissed this notion, stating that the conversation with the pope did not touch on the topic of resignation.
Global Prayers and Support
Catholics and others worldwide have been praying for his speedy recovery. Many have been leaving flowers, candles, and notes for Francis outside the Gemelli hospital. The Vatican has not made any official statements on the pope’s future plans, leaving the faithful to wonder what the coming days will bring.
FAQs
- When is Pope Francis expected to make his first public appearance from hospital?
- Sunday
- Why was Pope Francis hospitalized?
- He was admitted on February 14 with breathing problems due to pneumonia in both lungs.
- How long has Pope Francis been hospitalized?
- This is the longest hospitalization in his papacy.
- Is Pope Francis’s condition improving?
- Yes, he has suspended the use of an oxygen mask and his clinical condition is "improving."
- Might Pope Francis step down due to his health?
- There is speculation, but Vatican officials have dismissed this notion, and no official statements have been made.