Francis is doing better, his doctors say. He can attend mass on Palm Sunday but not celebrate it.
Pope Francis, who is suffering from a respiratory infection, will leave the hospital tomorrow, Saturday. He is due to return to the Vatican on Saturday once the results of the latest investigation carried out on Friday are available, pope spokesman Matteo Bruni said. The 86-year-old pontiff is therefore expected to attend Mass on Palm Sunday, but not celebrate it or take part in the procession with the cardinals.
The Pope is fine, reported Bruni. On Thursday night, he ate a pizza with the people who had been with him these days, including doctors, nurses, assistants and gendarmerie personnel. On Friday morning, after breakfast, the Pope read some newspapers and went back to work.
Francis had already spent the second night in the hospital. The pontiff is currently being treated for bronchitis and given intravenous antibiotics, doctors said. The Pope was admitted to the hospital in Rome on Wednesday afternoon. First, the Vatican said it was a “planned investigation”. At night, there was talk of a respiratory infection “which will require proper medical treatment in the hospital for a few days.”
Cardinal Sandri celebrates Mass at the beginning of Easter week
Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, vice dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the Mass at the beginning of Easter week. “I can confirm that I will celebrate Mass on Palm Sunday. Of course I hope the Pope recovers and presides over the liturgies as on other occasions, even if a cardinal is at the altar,” said the Argentine, according to media sources. .
Sandri assured that “all the people of God will be united in prayer to Pope Francis, especially for his speedy recovery”. Meanwhile, it has been announced that the Easter Mass will be celebrated by Cardinal Dean Giovanni Battista Re, the Chrism Mass on the morning of Holy Thursday by Cardinal Vicar Angelo De Donatis and the afternoon Mass “in Coena Domini” with the rite of lava -feet by Becomes Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica. Easter is considered the greatest Christian holiday. Christians remember the suffering, crucifixion and resurrection of the believing Jesus Christ, whom they see as the Son of God.
(APA)