On March 16, the Vatican released a photo of Pope Francis. Earlier, he approved a three-year plan focused on implementing the reforms initiated by his recent synod on synodality.
As Pope Francis remains hospitalized at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italian prisoners are praying for his recovery, Catholic chaplains said, noting the pope's longtime focus on addressing the needs of incarcerated people.
For more than a week now, the Vatican's daily updates have trended in an incrementally positive direction, lifting the 88-year-old pontiff's prognosis.
A Vatican update on the pope's health said, "In order to continue recording these initial improvements in the coming days, the doctors are prudently keeping the prognosis reserved."
Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, presented a paper offering "some clarifications" regarding the meaning of the April 2024 document "Dignitas Infinita" during a conference organized by Germany's Cologne University of Catholic Theology.
Pope Francis' recovery from double pneumonia is continuing on a positive trajectory, with the pontiff remaining stable for another day. Francis on March 6 released a brief audio message expressing gratitude for the prayers he has received during his three-week hospitalization.
While Pope Francis remained hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, Italian Cardinal Angelo De Donatis celebrated the Ash Wednesday Mass in his place at the Basilica of Santa Sabina, March 5 in Rome.
Pope Francis' medical team has increased the pontiff's respiratory physiotherapy and active motor therapy as his doctors seek to ramp up his recovery from double pneumonia, the Vatican said on March 5.
During his 19th day of hospitalization for double pneumonia, the 88-year-old pope underwent respiratory physiotherapy, spent time in prayer and received the Eucharist.
