Pope Francis Has Overcome Breathing Crisis

The respiratory crisis that the Pope struggled with on Saturday had largely subsided by Sunday, according to a Vatican press release on Sunday evening. The Pope underwent another blood transfusion, which led to an increase in hemoglobin levels. The number of platelets remained stable; however, some blood tests show an "initial, mild kidney insufficiency, which is currently under control. Oxygen therapy via nasal cannulas is being continued," states the medical bulletin. The Holy Father is awake. During the morning, he participated in the Mass in his apartment along with those who are caring for him during these days of hospitalization, adds the Vatican press office.

Pope Francis Thanked Doctors During Angelus Prayer

As last Sunday, the Pope did not recite the Angelus prayer himself this time. "I continue my hospital stay at the Gemelli Polyclinic with confidence, the necessary treatment continues, and rest is also part of the therapy! I sincerely thank the doctors and medical staff of this hospital for the attention they give me and for the dedication with which they perform their service to the sick," read the text of the prayer published by the Vatican. "I have received so many messages of affection in these days, and I was particularly touched by the letters and drawings from children. Thank you for this closeness and for the prayers of comfort that I have received from all over the world! I entrust everyone to the intercession of Mary and ask you to pray for me," said the Pope in the letter.

Pope Francis Also Addressed the Start of the Ukraine War

Francis also recalled the start of the Ukraine war: "Tomorrow marks the third anniversary of the great war against Ukraine: A painful and shameful anniversary for all humanity!" The Pope once again expressed his solidarity with the Ukrainian people, but also invited everyone to "remember the victims of all armed conflicts and to pray for the gift of peace in Palestine, in Israel and throughout the Middle East, in Myanmar, in Kivu, and in Sudan."

Normally, the head of the Catholic Church delivers the Angelus prayer every Sunday at noon from the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter's Square. In the past, the Pope has also appeared at the hospital window or via video from his apartment when ill. "The Pope is not out of danger," the Vatican stated in a press release on Saturday evening. On Saturday morning, he suffered a prolonged asthmatic respiratory distress, and the Pope was administered highly concentrated oxygen. Additionally, a blood transfusion was necessary - the number of platelets had decreased in connection with anemia.

After a week without posts, a message was sent again on the Pope's X account. On his X account @Pontifex in nine languages, he referred to the deacon jubilee celebrated on Sunday in the Vatican. "I urge you to continue your apostolate with joy and to be a sign of love that embraces all, that turns evil into good, and creates a fraternal world," wrote the Pope addressing the deacons.

23 New Deacons Ordained in St. Peter's Basilica

The Mass planned for Sunday in St. Peter's Basilica on the occasion of the Deacons' Jubilee was celebrated by Archbishop Rino Fisichella instead of the Pope. The text for the papal homily was read by Fisichella. During the Mass, 23 new deacons were ordained. Meanwhile, prayers are being offered worldwide for the ailing Francis. U.S. President Donald Trump has been informed about the Pope's health condition. "We are praying for him," said White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, according to the Italian news agency ANSA. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Holy Father," said the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. The Italian Bishops' Conference CEI also recently called on the faithful to pray for the Pope.

Prayers for Pope Francis in Rome

Believers, nuns, and priests from various orders and congregations gathered on Saturday afternoon in the square in front of the entrance to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome to pray the rosary together "for the health of the Holy Father Francis" in Italian, English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Patients of the hospital also joined the prayer, looking out from the hospital windows. In several Italian cities, the faithful prayed for the ailing Pontiff on Sunday.

Curia Cardinal Müller Rules Out Resignation of Pope Francis

German Curia Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller has ruled out that the Pope - similar to his predecessor Benedict XVI - could resign for health reasons. "Pope Francis is suffering from bilateral pneumonia and is being treated in an excellent hospital. The illness has not impaired any of his mental faculties. I think that during his hospital stay, he can set an example to the whole world, to the suffering, the sick, the dying, those who fear death. This is a testimony of inestimable value," Müller said in an interview with the Roman daily "Il Messaggero" on Sunday.

"The resignation of a Pope, any Pope, cannot, in my opinion, be considered an option. One does not come down from the cross, as it is written in the Holy Scripture," explained the Cardinal. "Canon law only provides for papal resignation in special and very serious cases, for example, in the case of cognitive obstacles or apostasy (renunciation of religious affiliation, ed.). For Popes, the criteria of political or military leaders, who retire at a certain point, should not apply," said Müller. Francis was elected Pope in March 2013 after Benedict XVI resigned. "Due to advanced age," he was no longer able to exercise his office, explained the then 85-year-old.

(APA/red)

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