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The Independent
28-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Pope, recovering from pneumonia, prays for quake-hit Southeast Asia
Pope Francis, recovering from a serious bout of pneumonia, has offered prayers for the victims of a devastating earthquake that struck Southeast Asia. The 7.7 magnitude quake caused widespread destruction in Myanmar and also shook neighbouring Thailand, causing a state of emergency to be declared in both countries. At least 81 people are missing and more than 100 people were confirmed dead by 3pm Friday. The disaster unfolded as the Pope continued his convalescence at the Vatican following a five-week hospital stay for life-threatening double pneumonia. "The pope has been informed of the disaster in Myanmar and is praying for the dramatic situation and for the many victims, also in Thailand," the Vatican said in a statement. Since returning to the Vatican on Sunday, the 88-year-old pontiff has been undergoing physical and respiratory therapy, showing slight improvements in his speech and mobility. He continues treatment for a persistent fungal infection affecting his respiratory system. The pontiff appeared weak and frail when he greeted the faithful from a balcony of the Gemelli Hospital last Sunday. He was later seen in the front seat of his white Fiat 500L wearing nasal tubes to receive supplemental oxygen. At the Vatican, Francis is receiving oxygen around the clock, with high-pressure delivery through nasal tubes only for part of the night. He can go without for short periods if an activity requires it, Vatican sources said. He has received no outside visitors since returning to his residence in the Domus Santa Marta, and is surrounded by his medical team and close collaborators. He spends his time resting, in prayer and continuing the work of his papacy, the Vatican said. Doctors have said he needs to spend at least two months of rest and recovery, avoiding large gatherings, after the respiratory illness that included two serious crises that brought him near death. The doctor who coordinated his hospital treatment, Dr Sergio Alfieri, said this week that the medical team briefly considered stopping treatment after a February 28 respiratory crisis, before deciding on an aggressive course that eventually beat the double pneumonia.
The Independent
28-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Pope offers prayers for quake-stricken Southeast Asia from convalescence in Vatican
Pope Francis offered prayers to the victims of a powerful earthquake in Southeast Asia on Friday, the sixth day of his convalescence in the Vatican after a five-week hospitalization for life-threatening double pneumonia. 'The pope has been informed of the disaster in Myanmar and is praying for the dramatic situation and for the many victims, also in Thailand,'' the Vatican said. Images showed widespread destruction in Myanmar's second-largest city from the 7.7 magnitude quake centered in a country embroiled by civil war, which also rocked neighboring Thailand. Since returning to the Vatican on Sunday, the pope has continued physical and respiratory therapy, with slight improvements in both his speaking and movements, the Vatican said without providing further details. He continues to be treated for a lingering fungal infection of the respiratory airways. The pontiff appeared weak and frail when he greeted the faithful from a balcony of the Gemelli Hospital last Sunday. He was later seen in the front seat of his white Fiat 500L wearing nasal tubes to receive supplemental oxygen. At the Vatican, Francis is receiving oxygen around the clock, with high-pressure delivery through nasal tubes only for part of the night. He can go without for short periods if an activity requires it, Vatican sources said. He has received no outside visitors since returning to his residence in the Domus Santa Marta, and is surrounded by his medical team and close collaborators. He spends his time resting, in prayer and continuing the work of his papacy, the Vatican said. Doctors have said he needs to spend at least two months of rest and recovery, avoiding large gatherings, after the respiratory illness that included two serious crises that brought him near death. The doctor who coordinated his hospital treatment, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, said this week that the medical team briefly considered stopping treatment after a Feb. 28 respiratory crisis, before deciding on an aggressive course that eventually beat the double pneumonia. The Vatican has not yet commented on whether he will participate in any Holy Week celebrations including Easter on April 20, or the April 27 canonization of Carlo Acutis, who will be the Catholic Church's first millennial saint. King Charles III's audience with Francis planned for April 8 was postponed by mutual agreement. The Vatican No. 2, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, met Friday with Polish President Andrzej Duda on the 20th anniversary of the death of St. John Paul II — a meeting originally planned with the pope. The two also discussed the war in Ukraine, and security and peace in Europe, the Vatican said in a statement.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Pope offers prayers for quake-stricken Southeast Asia from convalescence in Vatican
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis offered prayers to the victims of a powerful earthquake in Southeast Asia on Friday, the sixth day of his convalescence in the Vatican after a five-week hospitalization for life-threatening double pneumonia. 'The pope has been informed of the disaster in Myanmar and is praying for the dramatic situation and for the many victims, also in Thailand,'' the Vatican said. Images showed widespread destruction in Myanmar's second-largest city from the 7.7 magnitude quake centered in a country embroiled by civil war, which also rocked neighboring Thailand. Since returning to the Vatican on Sunday, the pope has continued physical and respiratory therapy, with slight improvements in both his speaking and movements, the Vatican said without providing further details. He continues to be treated for a lingering fungal infection of the respiratory airways. The pontiff appeared weak and frail when he greeted the faithful from a balcony of the Gemelli Hospital last Sunday. He was later seen in the front seat of his white Fiat 500L wearing nasal tubes to receive supplemental oxygen. At the Vatican, Francis is receiving oxygen around the clock, with high-pressure delivery through nasal tubes only for part of the night. He can go without for short periods if an activity requires it, Vatican sources said. He has received no outside visitors since returning to his residence in the Domus Santa Marta, and is surrounded by his medical team and close collaborators. He spends his time resting, in prayer and continuing the work of his papacy, the Vatican said. Doctors have said he needs to spend at least two months of rest and recovery, avoiding large gatherings, after the respiratory illness that included two serious crises that brought him near death. The doctor who coordinated his hospital treatment, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, said this week that the medical team briefly considered stopping treatment after a Feb. 28 respiratory crisis, before deciding on an aggressive course that eventually beat the double pneumonia. The Vatican has not yet commented on whether he will participate in any Holy Week celebrations including Easter on April 20, or the April 27 canonization of Carlo Acutis, who will be the Catholic Church's first millennial saint. King Charles III's audience with Francis planned for April 8 was postponed by mutual agreement. The Vatican No. 2, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, met Friday with Polish President Andrzej Duda on the 20th anniversary of the death of St. John Paul II — a meeting originally planned with the pope. The two also discussed the war in Ukraine, and security and peace in Europe, the Vatican said in a statement.
Associated Press
28-03-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Pope offers prayers for quake-stricken Southeast Asia from convalescence in Vatican
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis offered prayers to the victims of a powerful earthquake in Southeast Asia on Friday, the sixth day of his convalescence in the Vatican after a five-week hospitalization for life-threatening double pneumonia. 'The pope has been informed of the disaster in Myanmar and is praying for the dramatic situation and for the many victims, also in Thailand,'' the Vatican said. Images showed widespread destruction in Myanmar's second-largest city from the 7.7 magnitude quake centered in a country embroiled by civil war, which also rocked neighboring Thailand. Since returning to the Vatican on Sunday, the pope has continued physical and respiratory therapy, with slight improvements in both his speaking and movements, the Vatican said without providing further details. He continues to be treated for a lingering fungal infection of the respiratory airways. The pontiff appeared weak and frail when he greeted the faithful from a balcony of the Gemelli Hospital last Sunday. He was later seen in the front seat of his white Fiat 500L wearing nasal tubes to receive supplemental oxygen. At the Vatican, Francis is receiving oxygen around the clock, with high-pressure delivery through nasal tubes only for part of the night. He can go without for short periods if an activity requires it, Vatican sources said. He has received no outside visitors since returning to his residence in the Domus Santa Marta, and is surrounded by his medical team and close collaborators. He spends his time resting, in prayer and continuing the work of his papacy, the Vatican said. Doctors have said he needs to spend at least two months of rest and recovery, avoiding large gatherings, after the respiratory illness that included two serious crises that brought him near death. The doctor who coordinated his hospital treatment, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, said this week that the medical team briefly considered stopping treatment after a Feb. 28 respiratory crisis, before deciding on an aggressive course that eventually beat the double pneumonia. The Vatican has not yet commented on whether he will participate in any Holy Week celebrations including Easter on April 20, or the April 27 canonization of Carlo Acutis, who will be the Catholic Church's first millennial saint. King Charles III's audience with Francis planned for April 8 was . The Vatican No. 2, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, met Friday with Polish President Andrzej Duda on the 20th anniversary of the death of St. John Paul II — a meeting originally planned with the pope. The two also discussed the war in Ukraine
The Independent
24-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
The unexpected detour the Pope made on his way home from hospital
Pope Francis made a surprise detour on his way home after five weeks of hospitalisation with a serious bout of pneumonia, visiting his favourite basilica to lay flowers. The 88-year-old pontiff, requiring supplemental oxygen via nasal tubes, was driven in his Fiat 500L through the Perugino gate to the Vatican, marking a welcome return after anxieties about his health and potential resignation. His motorcade, en route from Gemelli hospital, unexpectedly diverted to St Mary Major basilica, home to a cherished icon of the Madonna. This basilica is a place of personal significance for the Pope, who traditionally visits it to pray after trips abroad. Remaining in his car, he presented a bouquet of flowers to be placed before the Salus populi Romani icon, a Byzantine-style painting deeply revered by Romans. The icon holds such importance for Francis that he has reportedly chosen the basilica as his final resting place. The detour through Rome followed the Pope's first public appearance in five weeks, where he offered a brief blessing and a thumbs-up from a hospital balcony. Hundreds had gathered to witness his departure, observing a seemingly weakened Francis. 'I see this woman with the yellow flowers. Brava!' Francis said in a breathless voice. He gave a weak sign of the cross before being wheeled back inside. Chants of 'Viva il papa!' and 'Papa Francesco' erupted from the crowd, which included patients who had been wheeled outside just to catch his brief appearance. Doctors say Francis needs two months of rest and convalescence at the Vatican, during which he should refrain from meeting with big groups of people or exerting himself. But they said he should be able to resume all his normal activities eventually. His return home came after the longest hospitalisation of his 12-year papacy and the second-longest in recent papal history. At the Vatican, where a Holy Year is under way, pilgrims cheered and applauded when Francis's greeting from Gemelli was broadcast live on giant TV screens in St Peter's Square. 'For me it was an important emotional experience to see him, because many people were waiting for this moment,' said Sister Luisa Jimènez, a nun from Francis' native Argentina. Another nun from the same order, Colombian Sister Angel Bernal Amparo, expressed concern, given his bloating and inability to speak much. 'He didn't look well,' she said. "He couldn't (talk) and I realised it was because of his breathing and, well, he left right there. But I was glad to have seen him.' No special arrangements have been made at the Domus Santa Marta, the Vatican hotel where Francis lives in a two-room suite on the second floor next to the basilica. He will have supplemental oxygen and 24-hour medical care as needed, although his personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, said he hoped Francis would progressively need less and less assistance breathing as his lungs recover. The Argentine pope, who has chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, was admitted to Gemelli on February 14 after a bout of bronchitis worsened. Doctors first diagnosed a complex bacterial, viral and fungal respiratory tract infection and soon thereafter, pneumonia in both lungs. Blood tests showed signs of anaemia, low blood platelets and the onset of kidney failure, all of which later resolved after two blood transfusions. Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the medical and surgical chief at Gemelli who coordinated Francis' medical team, stressed that not all patients who develop such a severe cases of double pneumonia survive, much less are released from the hospital. He said Francis's life was at risk twice, during two acute respiratory crises, and that the pope at the time understandably lost his typical good sense of humour. 'But one morning we went to listen to his lungs and we asked him how he was doing. When he replied, 'I'm still alive,' we knew he was OK and had gotten his good humor back,' he told a news conference late Saturday. Alfieri said that Francis was still having trouble speaking due to the damage to his lungs and respiratory muscles. But he said such problems were normal, especially in older patients, and predicted his voice would eventually return. Francis is also continuing to take medication to treat a more minor respiratory infection.
