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As Pope Francis continues his recovery at the Vatican, he has slowly started resuming meetings with top Vatican officials, according to the Vatican press office. The Pope, who had been hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli hospital with breathing difficulties and a polymicrobial infection, is now meeting with his secretaries and other officials. On April 7, he met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State. Additionally, he maintains contact with other dicasteries by phone.
The Vatican press office detailed the Pope’s release from the hospital on March 23 after over five weeks of treatment. Doctors recommended a two-month convalescence period, emphasizing rest and therapy. Despite these guidelines, Pope Francis made a public appearance in St. Peter’s Square on April 6 during the closing Mass of the Jubilee of the Sick and Health Care Workers. Seated in a wheelchair and wearing a nasal cannula, he greeted the crowd, conveying his thanks with a strained voice.
A Vatican source indicated that this brief outdoor appearance was consistent with medical advice, noting that the Pope's convalescence demands heightened caution. The source explained that mobility issues, such as difficulty in raising his arms, are consequences of the prolonged hospital stay.
Each day, after concelebrating Mass with his secretaries, the Pope dedicates a significant portion of his morning to physical and respiratory therapy. These therapies aim to enhance his mobility, with positive results as tests show stability in his condition. Despite a lingering lung infection, he is making progress, using high-flow oxygen only at night when needed. The remainder of his day is spent in prayer and work.
His regular phone calls to the Holy Family parish in Gaza, which were interrupted during hospitalization, have resumed.
