Pope Francis remains in a 'critical but stable' condition, say the Vatican in an update this evening.
The Pope, 88, is currently enduring his twelfth consecutive day at Rome's Gemelli Hospital where he is receiving treatment after being diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs.
In promising news, however, the Vatican have announced this evening that the Pontiff remains in 'critical but stable' condition on a day where Francis continued a gradual return to his duties.
'The Holy Father's clinical condition remains critical but stable. There have been no acute respiratory episodes, and hemodynamic parameters continue to be stable,' read a statement issued by the Vatican at 6.33pm (GMT).
'In the evening, he underwent a scheduled CT scan for radiological monitoring of bilateral pneumonia. The prognosis remains cautious.
'In the morning, after receiving the Eucharist, he resumed work activities.'
After a weekend where it was announced that the Pope had experienced 'a prolonged respiratory crisis,' well-wishers received a boost yesterday evening with a Vatican updated saying Francis's condition had shown a 'slight improvement'.
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| Pope Francis, 88, remains in a 'critical but stable condition,' said the Vatican in an update this evening |
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| The Pope, 88, is currently enduring his twelfth consecutive day at Rome's Gemelli Hospital where he is receiving treatment after being diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs |
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| A statue of Pope John Paul II, situated outside the Gemelli hospital where Francis is receiving treatment, has been illuminated following Francis's health battle |
Overnight last night, the Argentinian Pontiff had 'rested well, all night long' said the Vatican.
Francis, who is staying in a special papal suite on the 10th floor of the hospital, has continued to do some work and has moved from his bed to an armchair, while receiving the Eucharist in the morning.
In a major update concerning the Pope 'easing' himself back into work, the Pontiff also met with senior Vatican officials this afternoon at the Gemelli Hospital.
Vatican secretary of state Cardinal Parolin and Archbishop Edgar Pena visited the 88-year-old to help him carry out his duties. The pontiff reportedly today approved decrees for five people for beatification and two new saints.
The Vatican announced that Francis had additionally named a handful of new bishops for Brazil, named a new archbishop for Vancouver, and modified the law for the Vatican City State to create a new hierarchy.
Well-wishers across the globe continue to pray for the health of the Pope, with the second daily Rosary Prayer recital set to go forth in Vatican City once again this evening.
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| Thousands gathered at St Peter's Basilica yesterday evening for a recital of the Rosary Prayer for Pope Francis's health |
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| The second daily service will go ahead this evening, with Cardinal Tagle leading tonight's service |
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| Millions of people across the globe are praying for the health of the Pope as he endures his twelfth day in an Italian hospital |
Tonight's service will be held by Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, after Cardinal Parolin spoke at yesterday's service.
The gathering in Rome saw thousands turn out to pray for the Pope, with Parolin reading the Rosary Prayer before crowds sang the Salve Regina in unison.
During his speech, Cardinal Parolin said: 'In the Acts of the Apostles, it is said that the Church prayed intensely while Peter was kept in prison. For two thousand years, the Christian people have prayed for the Pope, who is in danger or is ill.
'Even in these days, since the Holy Father Francis was hospitalized at the Gemelli Hospital, an intense prayer has been raised for him to the Lord, by individual believers and Christian communities throughout the world.'
Tonight's service will begin at 8pm (GMT) in Rome.
Amid his ailing health, many have speculated that Francis will give up the Papacy before it's too late.
He revealed he penned a statement 12 years ago in the event that illness prevent him from fulfilling his duties.
Francis wrote the letter to Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the then Secretary of State, who holds the second highest position in the Vatican.
Asked whether there was a procedure in the event he would have to resign, the leader of the Catholic Church once told Spanish newspaper ABC he had made provision for his renunciation after taking office in 2013.
Referring to Cardinal Bertone, he said: 'I signed it and said: "If I should become impaired for medical reasons or whatever, here is my resignation. Here you have it."'
He added that he expected his letter would have been passed on to Cardinal Bertone's successor, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
'Now someone will run up to Bertone [and say] "Give me that piece of paper!" the Pope said jokingly during the interview.
via.
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