The Vatican proceeded with its Holy Year celebrations on Saturday in the absence of Pope Francis, who is currently hospitalized as he battles pneumonia and a complex respiratory infection.
Medical experts have indicated that the situation remains precarious, and the 88-year-old pontiff is expected to remain in the hospital for at least another week.
According to Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni, the Pope had a restful night, but doctors have expressed concern about the potential for sepsis, a severe blood infection that can arise as a complication of pneumonia.
Despite the Pope’s absence, celebrants expressed their spiritual connection to him. “Even though he’s not physically here, we know he’s here,” said Luis Arnaldo Lopez Quirindongo, a deacon from Ponce, Puerto Rico, who attended the Jubilee celebration. “He’s recovering, but he’s in our hearts, and our prayers are with him.”
Medical professionals have emphasized that while Pope Francis is working toward recovery, he will have to manage his chronic respiratory issues once he returns to the Vatican. “He needs to overcome this infection, and we all hope for his recovery,” stated Alfieri, one of the doctors. “However, we must acknowledge that there are many factors at play in his health.”
As the Vatican community gathers for prayer and support, the hopes for the return of Pope Francis remain at the forefront of their minds.
