Pope Francis Hospitalized as Lent Begins Without His Presence
The 88-year-old pontiff continues to recover from pneumonia while the Vatican faces uncertainty over his health.
Pope Francis, the 88-year-old leader of the Roman Catholic Church, remains hospitalized at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome as the Lenten season begins, an event he will not attend.
A health update from the Vatican indicated that the pope 'rested well overnight' and does not have a fever, though he has been required to wear an oxygen mask overnight due to his ongoing treatment for pneumonia affecting both lungs.
His prognosis remains 'reserved,' with medical staff stating that he is not yet out of danger.
Pope Francis has been at the Gemelli Hospital since February 14, 2025, where he has been undergoing treatment that includes rest, prayer, and physiotherapy.
His condition was complicated by two episodes of acute respiratory failure on Monday, attributed to significant mucus accumulation and bronchospasm, which required suctioning of respiratory secretions.
These recent health crises have highlighted the fragility of the pope's condition, as his clinical picture is described as 'complex' by Vatican officials, raising concerns among the faithful.
He has not made a public appearance since his hospitalization and has missed the Sunday Angelus prayer for three consecutive weeks, marking the first time he has done so since his election in 2013.
The Ash Wednesday service, which signifies the beginning of Lent, will be presided over by Cardinal Angelo de Donatis in the pope's absence.
The mass is scheduled for 16:00 GMT and will be preceded by a procession on the Aventine Hill in Rome.
Additionally, Pope Francis will not participate in the annual 'spiritual exercises' retreat that typically involves the Curia at the start of Lent.
His medical team has yet to comment on the duration of his hospitalization, which has now become the longest of his papacy, nor on the timeline for his convalescence should he recover effectively.
In a show of support, Argentine faithful gathered outside the Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday, placing a statue of Our Lady of Luján, a revered figure in Argentina, surrounded by candles.
This statue symbolizes the pope’s roots and faith, as he would make pilgrimages to pray before it during his years as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires.
Fernando Laguna, a parish priest in Rome from Argentina, stated that 'he knows that the entire Church is praying for him, and our prayer is a strength he receives from the Holy Spirit.'
Later in the evening, more congregants gathered in St. Peter's Square to pray for the pope, continuing a nightly tradition of prayer at the Vatican.
Despite his hospitalization, Pope Francis has remained in contact with close collaborators and has continued to work when his health allows, although there have been limitations in recent days.
This hospitalization follows a series of health issues the pope has faced in recent years, including being overweight, knee pain, surgeries on his colon and abdomen, and recurrent respiratory infections.
At the age of 21, he experienced a near-fatal pleurisy that resulted in the removal of the upper lobe of his right lung, further complicating his health.
These recent health challenges have reignited discussions regarding his ability to fulfill his papal duties and have led to speculation regarding his potential resignation.
A health update from the Vatican indicated that the pope 'rested well overnight' and does not have a fever, though he has been required to wear an oxygen mask overnight due to his ongoing treatment for pneumonia affecting both lungs.
His prognosis remains 'reserved,' with medical staff stating that he is not yet out of danger.
Pope Francis has been at the Gemelli Hospital since February 14, 2025, where he has been undergoing treatment that includes rest, prayer, and physiotherapy.
His condition was complicated by two episodes of acute respiratory failure on Monday, attributed to significant mucus accumulation and bronchospasm, which required suctioning of respiratory secretions.
These recent health crises have highlighted the fragility of the pope's condition, as his clinical picture is described as 'complex' by Vatican officials, raising concerns among the faithful.
He has not made a public appearance since his hospitalization and has missed the Sunday Angelus prayer for three consecutive weeks, marking the first time he has done so since his election in 2013.
The Ash Wednesday service, which signifies the beginning of Lent, will be presided over by Cardinal Angelo de Donatis in the pope's absence.
The mass is scheduled for 16:00 GMT and will be preceded by a procession on the Aventine Hill in Rome.
Additionally, Pope Francis will not participate in the annual 'spiritual exercises' retreat that typically involves the Curia at the start of Lent.
His medical team has yet to comment on the duration of his hospitalization, which has now become the longest of his papacy, nor on the timeline for his convalescence should he recover effectively.
In a show of support, Argentine faithful gathered outside the Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday, placing a statue of Our Lady of Luján, a revered figure in Argentina, surrounded by candles.
This statue symbolizes the pope’s roots and faith, as he would make pilgrimages to pray before it during his years as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires.
Fernando Laguna, a parish priest in Rome from Argentina, stated that 'he knows that the entire Church is praying for him, and our prayer is a strength he receives from the Holy Spirit.'
Later in the evening, more congregants gathered in St. Peter's Square to pray for the pope, continuing a nightly tradition of prayer at the Vatican.
Despite his hospitalization, Pope Francis has remained in contact with close collaborators and has continued to work when his health allows, although there have been limitations in recent days.
This hospitalization follows a series of health issues the pope has faced in recent years, including being overweight, knee pain, surgeries on his colon and abdomen, and recurrent respiratory infections.
At the age of 21, he experienced a near-fatal pleurisy that resulted in the removal of the upper lobe of his right lung, further complicating his health.
These recent health challenges have reignited discussions regarding his ability to fulfill his papal duties and have led to speculation regarding his potential resignation.
