From the time that he became pope, I have found Francis’ statements and writing very inspiring. I was also inspired by St. John Paul II and Pope Benedict, but Pope Francis, for me, has been special. I have enjoyed that special relationship throughout his pontificate.
Pope Francis no longer needs the “noninvasive mechanical ventilation” he has used most nights since experiencing a breathing “crisis” Feb. 28, his doctors reported in a bulletin released by the Vatican press office March 19.
For the first time since Pope Francis was hospitalized in mid-February, the Vatican press office released a photograph of him March 16; the image shows him concelebrating Mass that morning in the chapel of his suite of rooms at Rome’s Gemelli hospital.
Marking the 12th anniversary of Pope Francis’s election, Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered prayers for the Holy Father’s recovery on behalf of Catholics in the United States, and highlighted the shared commitment both sides have for global peace.
I do not know how I missed the news that Pope Francis issued an encyclical at the end of the Synod. I try to keep up to date on what is happening in the Church, but somehow, I missed the news about the encyclical, which has the wonderful title “He Loved Us” (“Dilexit Nos”). As soon as I discovered that the encyclical had been published, I obtained a copy.
An old saying about the Vatican states that “the pope is never sick until he’s dead,” and this position has held true in various cycles of papal health crises throughout recent history, until now, with Pope Francis’ current hospital stay. Throughout his nearly month-long hospital stay, one of the most noteworthy elements of the ordeal has been the unprecedented level of detail provided in his daily medical bulletins.
Pope Francis is no longer considered in imminent danger from his lung infection, but he will remain in Rome’s Gemelli hospital for several more days to continue receiving medical treatment, the Vatican said.
As Pope Francis’ condition remains stable, which is a sign of continued improvement, he followed the start of the Lenten retreat for the Roman Curia by video linkup and met again with two top Vatican officials to stay abreast of current events, the Vatican press office said.
Since Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14, the global Catholic community has united in fervent prayer for his recovery.
Pope Francis marked Ash Wednesday on his 20th day in Rome’s Gemelli hospital by taking part in the rite of the blessing of the ashes and receiving them in a short prayer service, the Vatican said.
