Pope Francis was hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital in Rome after suffering from bronchitis, and his condition quickly worsened after being diagnosed with pneumonia on Feb. 18. While in the hospital, Francis also received blood transfusions for an anemia-related condition. On Feb. 22, it was announced that Pope Francis was in critical condition due to a respiratory crisis. The Vatican has stated that Pope Francis’s health has improved slightly, though he still remains in critical condition.
Pope Francis was elected to the papacy in 2013. Born and raised in Argentina, Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio) was the first pope from the Western Hemisphere and South America. Francis was born in Buenos Aires to Italian immigrants and studied philosophy and theology while teaching literature and psychology at Immaculate Conception College. He was ordained to be a priest in 1969 and became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998. Pope Francis is particularly known for his efforts to close the divide between Catholics and non-Catholics as well as Catholics and non-Christians.
On Monday, the Vatican stated that Pope Francis had made a “slight improvement”, including improved laboratory tests and no respiratory crises. His condition still remains critical, but there appears to be hope for the Catholic Church. The papacy is a position typically held for life, and Pope Francis has shown no desire to step down, despite his recent health scare.
Following Pope Francis’s hospitalization, numerous Catholic citizens and visitors have gathered in front of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital to pray the Holy Rosary. The Vatican also announced on Monday, Feb. 24 that cardinals would gather and lead a Holy Rosary square nightly in St. Peter’s Square. The prayers have not been limited to Rome, however, as Catholics have gathered worldwide to pray for Pope Francis’s recovery, from Ireland to Kenya. Pat Santos, a tourist from the Philippines who was interviewed at the Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul, referred to Francis as “the symbol of Christianity.”
Due to his condition, Pope Francis was unable to celebrate the Vatican’s Holy Year, which is a Catholic celebration that occurs only every 25 years. The Vatican was expecting 35 million pilgrims to arrive for the celebration, in which they would celebrate the Jubilee Year of Hope. Though Francis could have participated from Gemelli, his health was not ideal to do so. Doctors have advised that Francis gets lots of rest, and is being treated with antibiotics and supplemental oxygen as needed.
As of Feb. 26, Pope Francis has shown “further, slight improvement” during his 13th day of his hospital stay. Over the weekend, there had been concerns regarding possible signs of kidney failure, but the Vatican has announced it to be “resolved.” There has not been an update as to whether Pope Francis is still in critical condition.
For Biolan Catholic students looking to extend a prayer to Pope Francis and the Vatican, several churches, websites and other Catholic organizations have guided prayers for Francis’s recovery. The Catholic Health Association of the United States published the following prayer following his hospitalization:
God of wholeness and hope:
Send your spirit of healing, that she may accompany our shepherd Pope Francis in his illness. As he endures pain and discomfort, give him strength and peace.
May he experience the continued grace of your mercy.
May your unconditional love comfort him and help him heal.
May his faithful and humble service continue to be a beacon of hope for each of us who continue to serve your Kingdom.
Through Your Son, Jesus, the great healer of all, we pray: Amen.
Press statements from The Vatican can be read daily in the Vatican Press, The Holy See.
