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.
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Pope’s Spirit ‘Remains Vigorous,’ Nuncio Tells Faithful at Basilica Mass, Rosary for Ailing Pontiff
As worshippers entered the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington for the noon Mass March 2, they saw at the base of the sanctuary a large portrait of a bespectacled, smiling Pope Francis, with a vase in front of the portrait bearing gold and white flowers — the colors of the Vatican flag.
Pope Suffers Further Setback, Put Back on Ventilation
Amid what is now his third week in the hospital, Pope Francis Monday suffered what doctors described as two incidents of “acute” respiratory difficulty that required him to be put back on a ventilator.
Pope, From Hospital, Writes About ‘Blessing’ Hidden In Frailty
Pope Francis’ condition remained “stable” March 2, and he “did not require non-invasive mechanical ventilation, but only high-flow oxygen therapy,” the Vatican said in its evening medical bulletin.
Although Pope Is Improving, He Will Not Lead Ash Wednesday Services
While Pope Francis’ condition has continued to improve, the Vatican announced that he will not lead his traditional Ash Wednesday services in Rome March 5.
Pope Continues To Improve, Is Doing Respiratory Therapy
Pope Francis’ clinical condition continued to improve Feb. 27, the Vatican said, and he had respiratory physiotherapy in the morning and the afternoon.
Pope’s Current Hospital Stay Nowhere Near Record for Papal Hospitalizations
As Pope Francis enters his 14th day at the Gemelli Hospital, now the longest of his four stays at the Roman polyclinic, some observers may be tempted to regard the long papal hospitalization as exceptional.
UPDATE: Pope Continues To Be In ‘Critical,’ but ‘Stable’ Condition
Pope Francis’ “clinical condition remains critical but stable” and the “prognosis remains guarded,” the Vatican’s evening bulletin said Feb. 25.
Competing Versions of Christianity on Display Between Pope and Hungary’s Orbán
While neither Hungary’s Viktor Orbán nor his most prominent guest this weekend, Pope Francis, have appeared anxious to play up their differences, there’s no getting around the fact that the two men represent contrasting versions of Christianity — one focused on identity, tradition and family values, the other on welcome, dialogue and the social gospel.
Pope in Hungary, Swelled by Ukrainian Refugees, Urges End to ‘Indifference’
On his second day in Hungary’s capital, Pope Francis met a group of poor people and refugees, including several who fled the war in neighboring Ukraine, and urged society to let go of selfish indifference toward those in need.