In a short update on Wednesday morning, the Vatican said Pope Francis “had a peaceful night and is resting.”
Pope Francis remained in critical but stable condition on Wednesday morning and has suffered no new respiratory crises as he recovers from double pneumonia, doctors have said.
The Vatican provided a short update, saying “the pope had a peaceful night and is resting.”
The 88-year-old pontiff underwent a follow-up CT scan on Tuesday evening to monitor his lung infection, but no results were provided. Doctors said the pope’s prognosis remained guarded.
He was nevertheless well enough to meet with the Vatican secretary of state and carry out essential work from hospital. He also announced some major governing decisions that suggest he is working through essential tasks and looking ahead.
Having suffered with a respiratory crisis on Saturday, the pope’s blood tests on Sunday showed signs of early kidney insufficiency. Wednesday is his 13th day in hospital.
Across town from Gemelli hospital in Rome where the pope is recovering, people gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the nightly Rosary prayer, which was presided over by Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle.
Thousands have been gathering in the square over the last few days to pray for Pope Francis, expressing sorrow for his suffering, hoping for his recovery and showing gratitude for his efforts to steer the Catholic Church in a new direction.
Daily phone calls to Gaza
Despite his condition, the Pope has continued his near daily calls to the Holy Family Parish in Gaza, as he has done on a consistent basis since the outbreak of the war in October 2023.
The pontiff was unable to call the parish as his health deteriorated over the weekend, but has been well enough to resume direct contact since the start of the week.
“It is a blessed call” the parish priest Father Gabriel Romanelli said, and a “great joy, also in the midst of many trials, to know that, in spite of his delicate state of health, the Holy Father is continuing to think and pray for everybody and for peace in Gaza and, at the same time, he is also continuing to thanks us for our constant prayers.”
The parish currently hosts around 500 people who have been displaced by the Israeli offensive.
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