Pope Francis will not preside over the Mass of Ramos Sunday, although he has experienced improvements in his movements, his breathing and his voice since last March 23 he was discharged after being 37 days admitted to the Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital in Rome for a serious respiratory infection.
According to the press office of the Holy See, Francisco delegated to Cardinal Leonardo Sandri the celebration of Ramos Sunday Mass on April 13, the Vatican’s official portal reported Friday, Vatican News.
In addition, the source indicated that at the moment there are no forecasts or indications on Holy Week rites, or on the presence of the Pope during the celebrations, which will also depend on the weather conditions.
According to the latest information from the Vatican Press Office, the Pope continues his convalescence in the Santa Marta house and his clinical picture is “stable with gradual improvements in his motor skills and breathing.”
The same sources specify that Francisco manages not to use oxygen for prolonged periods and only uses it “residual” and “for therapeutic purposes.” In fact, they add that the meeting of about 20 minutes with King Carlos of England and Camilla, on April 9, took place without the oxygenation help.
The blood tests were also positive and improvements were observed in pulmonary auscultation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4r0u8vdxds
Meeting with Vatican Executives
Given his improvement, the Bishop of Rome surprised last Thursday when he made at 1:00 p.m. local time a visit to the Basilica of San Pedro to pray before the tomb of Pope Pius X, an office of the agency Latin press.
On the other hand, Francisco, 88, has continued his work at the head of the Vatican State reviewing documents and meeting with his collaborators.
Specifically, according to the press office, in recent days he has met with the substitute for the State Secretariat, Edgar Peña Parra; With the secretary for relations with international states and organizations, archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher; and with the secretary for pontifical representations, Luciano Russo.
He has also held encounters with some responsible for dicasteries and superiors of the Roman curia.
Measured optimism
A measured optimism continues to reign in the corrillos of the Holy See, from where they emphasize that the mood of the Pontiff remains “good”, as demonstrated, as they indicate, in their “walk” surprise this Thursday through the Basilica of San Pedro.
This Friday, two art restaurateurs who were giving the final touches to a restoration of months to the tomb of the Urban Pope VIII, who in 1626 consecrated the Basilica of San Pedro, when the convalescent Francisco appeared, without prior notice, in a wheelchair in his third surprise appearance in less than a week.
“We thanked us many times for work,” said Michela Malfatti. “Then he asked me if I could take my hand because his were cold. It was very sweet with us.” Both, in turn, gave him his hands, narrated an office of the American agency Associated Press.
In addition to the restorers, Francisco greeted the faithful who had attended the Mass or came to pass through the Holy Door for the Jubilee Year.
