Home from the hospital after more than five weeks, Pope Francis is showing “slight improvements” in his breathing, ability to speak and mobility, the Vatican press office says. Source: CNS.
The 88-year-old Pope, released from Rome’s Gemelli hospital on March 23, is following doctors’ orders and is focused on his recovery, the press office told reporters on Friday.
His days are devoted to prayer, breathing exercises, physical therapy, rest and handling paperwork sent from Vatican offices to his residence, the Domus Sanctae Marthae.
Each morning, he concelebrates Mass in the small chapel near his bedroom and private office, the press office said.
Pope Francis has not received any visitors, it said. He spends each day with members of his medical team – one of whom is on duty 24 hours a day – and with his private secretaries.
The Pope was praying on Friday for victims of a massive earthquake that caused death and destruction in Myanmar and Thailand, the press office said.
In a telegram sent to civil and Church authorities in the two countries, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, said the Pope was “deeply saddened by the loss of life and widespread devastation”.
“Pope Francis offers heartfelt prayers for the souls of the deceased and the assurance of his spiritual closeness to all affected by this tragedy,” the message said. The Pope also prayed that emergency workers would be given “the divine gifts of fortitude and perseverance.”
Pope Francis watched the livestream on Friday of the Lenten meditation for cardinals and senior members of the Roman Curia offered by Capuchin Father Roberto Pasolini, preacher of the papal household.
While the Vatican published a schedule of major Holy Week and Easter liturgies on Thursday, the press office said it was too soon to know if the Pope would be in attendance.
The Vatican press office also announced that Cardinal Parolin would preside at a memorial Mass in St Peter’s Basilica on April 2, the 20th anniversary of the death of the Polish pope.
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Pope Francis’ voice slowly recovering as Vatican convalescence continues (By Cindy Wooden, CNS)
