CV NEWS FEED // Pope Francis received a delegation of medical personnel from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital at the Vatican this Holy Week, offering personal thanks for the care he received during his recent hospitalization.
The April 16 visit marked the first group gathering the Holy Father has held since being released from the hospital in late March, where he was treated for a serious respiratory infection, Vatican News reported. The encounter took place behind the Paul VI Hall and included around 70 participants from the A. Gemelli Polyclinic Foundation, the Sacro Cuore Catholic University, and the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State.
Pope Francis offered brief remarks to the staff, thanking them and greeting them individually.
“Thank you for the service at the hospital, very good, keep it up!” he told them, according to Vatican News. His words followed greetings and well-wishes from Daniele Franco, president of the Gemelli Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Since his release, the Pope’s health has continued to improve. Vatican briefings have noted progress in his respiratory, voice, and mobility functions. He generally no longer requires oxygen during the day and uses high-flow oxygen only at night or when needed. He has resumed his daily responsibilities, including meeting with Vatican collaborators.
Although the Pope has delegated many of this year’s Holy Week and Easter liturgies to senior cardinals, the Holy See Press Office has not ruled out his presence at some events. Cardinals will preside at the Chrism Mass, the Good Friday Passion liturgy, the Via Crucis at the Colosseum, the Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday Mass.
The Pope himself authored the meditations for the Via Crucis, which are scheduled to be released on Good Friday.
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