Vatican vigil: Prayers for Pope Francis amid health concerns
The staff of Gemelli Polyclinic gathered at the Vatican to pray for the health of Pope Francis, who has been hospitalised for two weeks. Instead of the scheduled audience, a mass was held in St. Peter's Basilica.
The staff of Rome's Gemelli Polyclinic, where Pope Francis has been receiving treatment for over two weeks, assembled on Saturday at the Vatican to offer prayers for his recovery. In place of the planned papal audience for the Holy Year, they attended a mass in St. Peter's Basilica.
Worrying news about the Pope: Clinic staff prayed for Francis's health
Bishop Claudio Giuliodori, the ecclesiastical assistant at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, with which Gemelli Polyclinic is affiliated, officiated the mass. In his homily, Bishop Giuliodori stressed that everyone is united in praying for the Pope's swift recovery.
"Our thoughts are first and foremost with the Holy Father, whom we were to meet this morning in Paul VI Audience Hall," said the bishop. "Yet, he surprised us by visiting us at Gemelli Polyclinic," he added.
Bishop Giuliodori mentioned that everyone supports the doctors with their prayers, hoping they can choose the most appropriate and effective therapeutic approaches. He also reflected on the theme of the Holy Year, "Pilgrims of Hope," highlighting that all present are indeed pilgrims of hope.
The Pope's health condition
Sources from the Vatican have reported that Pope Francis has not experienced another respiratory crisis since Friday's incident involving bronchospasm. Due to this, bronchoaspiration and non-invasive mechanical ventilation were administered. Although the clinical situation remains complex, the Pope does not have a fever, and Friday's crisis did not impact other organs.
Doctors caution that the danger is not yet over, which is why they are withholding any prognosis. A new medical bulletin is expected to be released in the evening.
The Vatican announced that, due to rain, the Saturday rosary prayer for the Pope's health will be held inside the basilica instead of St. Peter's Square. It will be led by Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches.
