Pope Francis Still Receiving Oxygen Therapy, Will Not Read Sunday Prayers: Vatican

Pope Francis is continuing to receive oxygen therapy as part of his recovery efforts, according to Vatican sources. The 88-year-old pontiff remains under care at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he is reportedly moving but not overly active. Encouragingly, the pope is eating solid food and doesn’t require assisted feeding—small victories, but victories nonetheless.

On Thursday, Pope Francis recorded a heartfelt message thanking those who have been praying for him. It wasn’t without effort, though; the hum of his oxygen machine could be heard in the background, a subtle reminder of his ongoing health challenges. Vatican sources confirmed he will not be reading the Angelus prayer this Sunday, given his condition.

As the pope enters his fourth week in the hospital, uncertainty looms over the timeline for his recovery. His doctors seem to be waiting for more stability before issuing further updates. Dr. Claudio Santini, head of internal medicine at Grassi Hospital, noted that the absence of signs showing significant improvement is "not a positive signal." Santini also speculated that the pope’s chronic respiratory issues, now compounded by bilateral pneumonia, have left him especially vulnerable.

Pope Francis has a history of lung complications dating back to his youth, when he had part of his lung removed due to pleurisy. His current therapy has been effective so far, but experts warn that prolonged reliance on such treatments could place strain on his overall health.

In the meantime, Catholics worldwide have been lifting the pontiff in prayer. Earlier this week, he was unable to lead Ash Wednesday mass, a cornerstone event in the Catholic calendar. Instead, Cardinal Angelo De Donatis delivered the pope’s homily at Santa Sabina Basilica in Rome. In his homily, the pope reflected on the fragility of life, symbolized by the ashes, and called for a return to God with "all of our hearts."

"We bow our heads in order to receive the ashes as if to look at ourselves and to look within ourselves," the pope’s message read. "Indeed, the ashes help to remind us that our lives are fragile and insignificant: we are dust, from dust we were created, and to dust we shall return."

While his physical state may be frail, Pope Francis appears to remain spiritually resolute, continuing to inspire millions with his words even from his hospital bed. Here’s hoping for a swift recovery for the leader of the Catholic Church.