- Pope Francis is slowly recovering his health during his hospital stay but needs to "relearn how to speak" following an extended period of using high-flow oxygen therapy.
- Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, however, refuted rumors of the pope considering retirement, stating that he was making steady progress in his recovery.
- The individual, who is 88 years old, has faced multiple health challenges in the last two years and continues to be susceptible to respiratory tract infections.
Rome – Pope Francis is slowly recovering his health at the hospital but needs to “relearn how to speak” following an extensive duration of receiving high-flow oxygen therapy.
Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, who leads the Vatican's doctrinal office, similarly refuted speculations regarding the pope's possible resignation.
Fernandez stated that Francis was reverting to his normal state, mentioning that the pope was feeling quite good. However, he noted that the high-flow oxygen had caused dryness.
Fernandez mentioned at the launch of a new papal book on poetry that he has to reacquaint himself with speaking, though his general health remains unchanged from before.
The 88-year-old pope has been admitted to the hospital for five weeks because of double pneumonia.
After he was admitted, the Vatican has offered scant updates about his health status. Only one short audio clip was released on March 6; in this recording, his voice appeared strained, labored, and hard to follow.
The most recent health bulletin from the Vatican, issued on Friday, noted “slight enhancements in respiratory function and movement” and stated that Francis did not necessitate ventilator support.
Instead, he has largely been getting oxygen via a nasal cannula.
There is currently no official word on when the pope might be released and return to the Vatican.
Fernandez expressed doubt about being released in time for Easter, set to occur on April 20.
Fernandez noted, "He has the option to come back, yet the medical team insists on being completely certain since he feels that given the limited time he has remaining, he wishes to devote himself fully to helping others rather than focusing on his own needs."
When queried about the possibility of the pope resigning, the cardinal firmly rejected the idea.
He replied emphatically, 'Absolutely not.'
Over the last couple of years, Pope Francis has faced multiple health issues, particularly with his lungs, making him susceptible to respiratory infections. This vulnerability stems from an episode of pleurisy when he was younger, resulting in the removal of part of one lung.
Pope Francis was absent from the Angelus prayer today.
Pope Francis skipped the traditional Sunday Angelus prayer for just the third time during his 12-year pontificate on February 23rd.
Instead, he submitted his sermon to the press, conveying his appreciation for doctors, nurses, and caregivers.
This marks the second most extended hospitalization for Pope Francis since assuming his role, making it also the longest time he has spent in a medical facility during his papacy.
The history of Pope Francis' respiratory issues
In his youth, Pope Francis was struck by serious pneumonia, which resulted in the partial removal of one lung.
In 2021, he had an operation to take out a section of his colon because of diverticulitis, which leads to swelling and contamination in the intestines.
In 2023, he was admitted to the hospital due to bronchitis. Over the past few months, the Pope experienced two falls, leading to a bruised chin and an injured arm, necessitating the use of a sling for support.
Considering his delicate condition and frequent past illnesses, physicians are taking additional care with his present medical management.
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