Pope Francis’s health issues have forced the cancellation of his weekend engagements, including a public papal audience and Holy Year events.
The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis will not participate in this weekend’s Holy Year events due to his ongoing health issues. The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized for over a week with a ‘complex‘ respiratory infection.
Details of the Pope’s Condition
Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14, where he is currently undergoing treatment. Doctors have described the infection as ‘polymicrobial,’ meaning it is caused by two or more micro-organisms, including bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The Vatican has not specified whether the infection is bacterial or viral.
Impact on Holy Year Events
The cancellation of the Pope’s weekend engagements includes a public papal audience scheduled for this Saturday. However, a papal Mass set for Sunday in St. Peter’s Basilica will still take place, but it will be led by a senior Vatican official instead of the Pope.
A Holy Year, also known as a Jubilee Year, is a special period in the Catholic Church where the faithful are encouraged to reflect on their relationship with God and seek spiritual renewal.
These events occur every 25 years and are marked by the Pope's declaration of an extraordinary jubilee.
During this time, Catholics are called to participate in various activities such as pilgrimages, confession, and prayer.
The last Holy Year was declared by Pope Francis in 2020, which focused on mercy and forgiveness.
Background and Previous Health Issues
Pope Francis has had several health issues over the past two years, including influenza and other respiratory problems. As a young adult, he developed pleurisy and underwent surgery to remove part of one lung. In recent times, he has been prone to lung infections, which may be contributing to his current condition.
Medical Update Expected
The Vatican is expected to provide an update on the Pope’s condition later in the day, although no specific details have been provided regarding his treatment or prognosis. The cancellation of the Pope’s weekend engagements is a precautionary measure to ensure his health and well-being during this challenging time.
