Pope Francis’ condition is improving, but to facilitate his recovery the doctors at the Gemelli Hospital have prescribed that he observe “total rest,” the Vatican press office announced in a communique released at 6 p.m. local time. That means that for the second time in 12 years, Pope Francis will not lead the noonday Angelus prayer on Feb.16.
The communique confirmed that the pope had “rested all night” on Feb. 14, his first night in hospital, and did not have any “episodes of fever.” It reported that “the examinations carried in the course of the day confirmed the infection of the respiratory tracts” and said the hospital doctors “modified the [pharmacological] therapy on the basis of further microbiological findings.”
Anna Lisa Bilotta, an Italian doctor who reviewed the communique but who is not treating Pope Francis, told America that the most recent laboratory tests indicated the pope’s condition was improving. She explained that this suggests “the therapy is working and the infection is decreasing.” Dr. Bilotta underlined the fact that the doctors have prescribed that Francis has “total rest” and said “this is likely to be for some days to enable the therapy to take full effect.”
Although the Holy Father will not lead the prayer of the Angelus, he has forwarded the text for publication. The Vatican statement said Pope Francis received the Holy Eucharist on Saturday morning and during the day “alternated moments of rest with prayer and reading.”
This is the pope’s fourth recovery in the Gemelli Hospital since July 4, 2021, his first hospitalization at the Roman hospital. Catholics and other believers across the world are praying for his full recovery, and many have sent him messages.
According to the statement: “The Holy Father has been informed of the many messages of closeness and affection received. He expresses his gratitude [for these] and asks for continued prayers for him.”
