Important Developments in the Health Condition of Pope Francis

The Vatican announced on Saturday that Pope Francis is continuing his recovery from double pneumonia, while the Holy Year celebrations at the Vatican proceeded without him, during the weekend dedicated to Catholic Church volunteers.

The Vatican stated in a statement, “The night passed calmly, and the Pope is resting.”

The 88-year-old Pope, who suffers from chronic lung disease and had part of one of his lungs removed when he was young, is entering his fourth week at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome after his condition stabilized, following a few episodes of acute respiratory crises.

In his absence, the Vatican continues to celebrate the Jubilee, the Holy Year, which occurs once every quarter-century and attracts visitors from around the world to Rome.

Another cardinal closely associated with Pope Francis, Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny, is leading the evening prayers for Francis. Cardinal Czerny will return on Sunday to celebrate the Holy Year Mass for volunteers, which was originally scheduled to be led by Pope Francis.

On Friday, Pope Francis spent 20 minutes in the Gemelli Hospital chapel, where he prayed and did some work between resting and undergoing respiratory and physical therapy. A medical update is expected later on Saturday.