Pope's health concerns prompt special prayers at Vatican
The staff of Gemelli Polyclinic prayed in the Vatican for the health of Pope Francis, who has been in the hospital for two weeks. Instead of the planned audience, a mass was held in St. Peter's Basilica.
The staff of Rome's Gemelli Polyclinic, where Pope Francis has been for over two weeks, gathered on Saturday in the Vatican to pray for his health. Instead of the planned papal audience for the Holy Year, they participated in 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 of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, with which the Gemelli Polyclinic is affiliated, conducted the mass. In his homily, Bishop Giuliodori emphasized that everyone is praying for the Pope's swift recovery.
"Our thoughts go primarily to the Holy Father, with whom we were to meet this morning in Paul VI Audience Hall," said the bishop. "But he surprised us by coming to us at the Gemelli Polyclinic," he added.
Bishop Giuliodori noted that everyone supports the doctors with prayer, so they can choose the most appropriate and effective therapeutic methods. He also referred to the theme of the Holy Year "Pilgrims of Hope," emphasizing that all present are also pilgrims of hope.
The pope's health condition
Vatican sources reported that Pope Francis has not experienced another respiratory crisis since the incident on Friday related to bronchospasm. As a result, bronchoaspiration and non-invasive mechanical ventilation were applied. Although the clinical picture remains complex, the Pope does not have a fever, and Friday's crisis did not affect other organs.
Doctors emphasize that the danger has not passed, which is why they refrain from providing a prognosis. A new medical bulletin is anticipated to be announced in the evening.
The Vatican announced that due to rain, the Saturday rosary prayer for the Pope's health will not be held in St. Peter's Square but in the basilica. It will be led by the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti.
