Pope in hospital for a month – return still uncertain

Pope Francis has been in the Gemelli Clinic in Rome for exactly one month. In the meantime, the condition of the seriously ill lung patient has apparently stabilised further and the 88-year-old spent another quiet night, the Vatican announced on Friday morning. Francis was initially taken to the hospital in the north-west of the city on 14 February due to persistent bronchitis. A complex respiratory infection with bilateral pneumonia was diagnosed there. In the meantime, his life was in acute danger.

Meanwhile, Vatican sources on Thursday evening dampened hopes of a speedy recovery or even release of the Pope. Despite small improvements, his overall situation remains unchanged, they said. It is still too early to speak of a "new phase". Francis is still receiving oxygen via nasal cannulas during the day and a breathing mask at night. On Friday evening, the Vatican plans to announce new medical details on the situation of the head of the Church, who celebrated the twelfth anniversary of his election on Thursday.

Francis received greetings from all over the world, including hundreds of letters from children and young people as well as congratulations from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He celebrated his anniversary with the medical staff of the Gemelli Clinic, where he is being treated in the papal private wing on the tenth floor. He was presented with a cake and candles. The Vatican did not provide any further details.

Longest hospitalisation for Francis

The Pope also continues to work in hospital, including blessing around 30 episcopal appointments. This is why the "Gemelli" is nicknamed the "Vatican branch" by some. For Francis, it is the longest hospitalisation of his twelve years in office. The "record" is held by his predecessor John Paul II (1978-2005) with 55 days in hospital following the assassination attempt in May 1981. Benedict XVI (2005-2013) was never a patient in the clinic during his almost eight years in office; only as a visitor when his brother George was treated there.

From Friday evening, prayers for Pope Francis' health will once again be said live in St Peter's Square. The prayers, each led by a high-ranking cleric, will begin at 7.30 pm, according to the Vatican. The rosaries began on 24 February. However, due to the Roman Curia's Lenten retreat, they took place in the Vatican Audience Hall this week. They were broadcast on large screens in St Peter's Square and via media worldwide. (KNA)