Pope stable for a week – prayers suspended in St Peter's Square

In his fourth week in hospital, the Pope's state of health has apparently stabilised slightly. Francis spent a quiet night and is continuing to rest, the Vatican announced on Monday morning. On Saturday evening, doctors had already spoken of a moderate improvement in the 88-year-old lung patient's state of health. Francis is showing good reactions to the prescribed treatment. The gas exchange in his respiratory organs had also improved.

The Pope is continuing his oxygen therapy and light motor exercises and is also receiving solid food as part of a prescribed diet, it was reported on Sunday evening. However, in view of the complex respiratory disease with pneumonia on both sides, the doctors remained cautious with further prognoses. Francis last had a respiratory crisis last Monday. This Monday evening, the doctors want to comment again on his current condition.

The Pope has been in the Gemelli Clinic in Rome since 14 February. As in the past three and a half weeks, his appointments have been cancelled or taken over by high-ranking Curia cardinals. The Pope is also unable to attend the Lenten retreat organised by the leadership of the universal Church since Sunday. However, Francis followed the spiritual retreats in the Vatican Audience Hall, which are being led by the preacher of the Pontifical Household, Fr Roberto Pasolini, via video from the clinic.

Visit and suspended evening prayers

The Pope's address at midday prayer on Sunday was distributed in writing, as in the weeks since the beginning of his hospitalisation. Cardinal Michael Czerny delivered his homily at the service for the international meeting of volunteers in St Peter's Basilica on Sunday morning. Also on Sunday, he received a visit for the third time from his two closest collaborators, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and the substitute, Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra. According to the Vatican, they informed the ill head of the Church about a number of developments in the Church and the world, among other things.

Until 14 March, the Vatican is suspending the evening prayer service for the Pope's recovery in St Peter's Square. From Monday, this rosary prayer will take place at 5 pm in the Vatican Audience Hall as part of the traditional retreat of the Roman Curia, it was announced on Sunday. Outsiders will not be able to take part, but will be able to follow the daily moment of prayer via the screens in St Peter's Square or the Vatican media. At the end of the Lenten retreat next Friday, communal prayer will be resumed in a renewed form and will remain a sign of faith and ecclesial communion. (tmg/KNA)