According to a statement from Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni, the 86-year-old pontiff, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, after ate breakfast, read newspapers, and was working from his hospital room at Rome’s Gemelli hospital.
The statement read, “He went to the modest chapel in the private room before lunch, where he gathered in prayer and received the Eucharist.
Francis was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday after experiencing breathing difficulties recently, and a non-COVID-19 respiratory infection was found to be the cause. His audiences were cancelled through Friday, according to the Vatican, which stated that he will stay for a few days of therapy.
Despite his absence, the Vatican was a hive of activity on Thursday. Two Vatican offices issued a historic statement rejecting the “Doctrine of Discovery,” a legal theory supported by papal bulls from the 15th century that allowed for the seizure of Native American lands during the colonial era and serves as the foundation for some property law today.
A founding member of the pope’s sex abuse prevention group abruptly resigned, and the turmoil continued. Boston Cardinal Sean O’Malley responded to criticism from Rev. Hans Zollner in his moving resignation message that was released the day before.
It was unclear how Francis’ health would effect the Vatican’s Holy Week celebrations, which include Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil, and finally Easter Sunday on April 9. Francis is expected to observe Palm Sunday this weekend.
It was Francis’ first hospitalisation since the removal of 33 centimetres (13 inches) of his colon and ten days spent at the Gemelli hospital in July 2021.
He claimed shortly after the procedure that he had totally recovered and was able to eat regularly. Francis, however, claimed that his diverticulosis, or protrusions in the intestinal wall, had “returned” in an interview with The Associated Press on January 24.
The pope had appeared to be in rather good health during his regularly scheduled general audience on Wednesday before he was admitted to the hospital, though he grimaced noticeably getting into and out of the “popemobile.”
Francis has been using a wheelchair for over a year despite recently using a cane more frequently due to strained ligaments in his right knee and a minor knee fracture.
Francis has stated that he was reluctant to undergo surgery for his knee issues because the general anaesthesia used for the 2021 intestinal operation left him feeling unwell.
