Condition of Pope Francis Continues to Improve

Pope Francis continues his breathing exercises and physiotherapy, according to the Vatican. The results of the examinations on Wednesday were assessed as satisfactory, it was reported. The 88-year-old prays and participates daily in the Mass at the Santa Marta guesthouse in the Vatican, where his residence is located.

Role of Pope Francis in Easter Celebrations Still Unclear

The head of the Roman Catholic Church is not receiving visitors, but he is working on the dossiers presented to him. Francis has been informed about the severe earthquake in Southeast Asia, he prays for the affected population and the victims. The Angelus prayer this Sunday is to be published in written form, as has been the case since the Pope's hospitalization in mid-February. Francis was discharged from the "Gemelli" clinic in Rome on Sunday after 37 days in the hospital, where he was treated for, among other things, bilateral pneumonia.

During his hospital stay, cardinals repeatedly took over his duties. It is still unclear whether the Pontiff can make a public appearance at Easter, the holiest festival of Christianity. The Vatican has so far only confirmed that the Easter celebrations will take place. However, it has not been announced who will lead them. The Vatican press office stated that a decision on the Pope's participation would be made "in the coming weeks" depending on his health development. It is still too early to make a decision regarding the Easter celebrations.

After his discharge, the doctors had actually prescribed the Pope a recovery period of at least two months. Easter Sunday is on April 20 this year. The Pope, who has been in office since 2013, was admitted to the "Gemelli" clinic in Rome on February 14 due to bronchitis, which developed into bilateral pneumonia. He went through several severe respiratory crises and received a blood transfusion. According to his doctors, Francis narrowly escaped death. On Sunday, he briefly appeared on a balcony of the clinic and thanked the faithful with a weak voice for the many well-wishes and prayers. Then he was driven home to the Vatican, where he is now continuing his recovery.

(APA/Red)

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