Probably almost everyone around the world has been able to follow Pope Francis’ illness and recovery from respiratory inflammation, after the Holy Father was admitted to Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital in mid-February. There he was treated for severe complications from bronchitis and eventually bilateral pneumonia for over a month.
At the worst stage of illness, the 88-year-old Pope was in danger of dying. However, he was treated very effectively and received oxygen therapy, which continues even now that the Pope has returned to his own apartment in the Vatican. On the advice of doctors, the Pope should take at least two months of sick leave.
However, on April 6, Pope Francis already made a surprise public appearance in St Peter’s Square, where he greeted the crowd in a wheelchair during the Angelus prayer and expressed his gratitude for all the prayers. Although his health has gradually improved markedly, the Pope continues his recuperation and maintains a very limited public presence. For example, a planned meeting with King Charles III was initially cancelled, although the Pope did eventually meet the King and Queen in private. It is currently believed that the Pope may be present at some point during the Easter celebrations, but not as the celebrant.
KATT / Vatican News