Here’s the latest on Pope Francis straight from Rome, courtesy of John Morales and Rome Correspondent Ashley Noronha.
Health Update:
So, it’s been two weeks since Pope Francis checked into Gemelli Hospital, marking his longest hospital stay as Pope. But the good news is he’s improving! Reports say he’s had a restful night and is making “clinical improvements.”
Evening updates give us a clearer picture:
-He’s undergoing breathing physiotherapy (a positive step!).
-Alternating between oxygen therapy and a venti mask (sounds intense, but it’s part of his recovery).
-Spending time in the chapel praying and even resuming work
-Receiving the Eucharist
Rome is Praying HARD:
Meanwhile, St. Peter’s Square is packed every night at 9 p.m. as cardinals and thousands of faithful gather to pray the Rosary for Pope Francis. Tonight, Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández is leading the prayer. There’s a stunning Our Lady Mater Ecclesiae image lit up, and the choir is singing Marian hymns.
It’s not just St. Peter’s: prayer gatherings are popping up in churches all over Rome, and even in the hospital itself!
A Miraculous Memory:
John and Ashley also reminisced about that unforgettable pandemic moment when Pope Francis stood alone in an empty St. Peter’s Square in 2020, praying for the world. The miraculous crucifix from that moment is in San Marcello Church, and people are flocking there to pray for him.
That wooden crucifix survived a massive fire in 1519 (when everything else in the church burned down). Then in 1522, it was carried through Rome in a plague procession, and people believed the plague subsided because of it. Now it’s once again a symbol of hope.
Keep Praying!
The next update from the doctors is coming soon, but things are looking hopeful. Keep those prayers rolling for Pope Francis!
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