Pope Francis Continues Oxygen Therapy, Unable to Lead Sunday Prayers: Vatican Reports
Pope Francis continues to undergo oxygen therapy and will be unable to preside over Sunday prayers, marking his fourth week of hospitalization at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the Vatican announced. The 84-year-old pontiff’s prolonged stay is raising concerns among the faithful and sparking speculation about his health conditions.
The Vatican insists that the Pope’s condition is “good,” stressing that his hospitalization was necessary for prescribed therapy. However, the inability of Pope Francis to lead the Sunday prayers, a key part of his weekly routine, is seen as a significant development in his ongoing recovery process.
Vatican Maintains Transparency About Pope’s Health
Since Pope Francis underwent an operation earlier this month, the Vatican has maintained a degree of transparency about his condition. A Vatican statement revealed that the Pope was hospitalized for “symptomatic diverticular stenosis of the colon,” a condition that causes painful blockages in the lower part of the large intestine. The surgery, which the Vatican has described as “scheduled,” was successful, according to the initial reports. 
However, the need for oxygen therapy suggests that the Pope might be facing complications or other health issues. Oxygen therapy is generally used to ensure that a patient’s oxygen levels are kept stable, particularly if they are suffering from a condition that prevents the lungs from absorbing enough oxygen. The Vatican has not revealed specific details about why the Pope is receiving oxygen therapy.
Faithful Around the World Pray for Pope’s Recovery
News of Pope Francis’s continuing hospitalization has sparked an outpouring of prayers and well-wishes from Catholics around the world. In St. Peter’s Square, the faithful have been gathering to pray for the Pope’s recovery, often holding vigils and mass in his absence.
Despite his physical absence from the Sunday prayers, Pope Francis has maintained a presence through messages delivered by his aides. His messages continue to inspire and guide the faithful, emphasizing themes of hope, resilience, and the power of prayer.
Understudy Steps In
With Pope Francis unable to lead the Sunday prayers, the duty has fallen on the shoulders of his close aides. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, a close collaborator of the Pope and President of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, has been the one to read the Pope’s Angelus address on Sundays.
Fisichella has been assuring the faithful that the Pope is on the mend and has been participating as much as his health allows. He has echoed the Vatican’s statements about the Pope’s condition, reassuring the global Catholic community of his recovery.
Continued Speculation and Concerns
Despite the Vatican’s assurances, the Pope’s continued hospitalization and the need for oxygen therapy has led to speculation about possible complications or other health issues. However, medical experts suggest that it is not unusual for patients of Pope Francis’s age to require additional recovery time, especially after major surgery.
While the Pope’s health remains a matter of global concern, the Vatican continues to request prayers for his recovery and urges the faithful to remain hopeful. As the world watches and waits, the Pope’s messages of hope and resilience resonate more profoundly than ever.
