Vatican continues Holy Year celebrations amid Pope Francis’ hospitalization for pneumonia

The Vatican went ahead with its Holy Year celebrations on Saturday, despite the absence of Pope Francis, who is currently hospitalized due to pneumonia and a complex respiratory infection. Doctors have indicated that the pope’s condition remains precarious, necessitating at least another week of hospitalization.

According to Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni, the 88-year-old pontiff had a restful night. However, medical professionals have cautioned that there is an ongoing risk of sepsis, a severe blood infection that can arise as a complication of pneumonia.

Attendees at the Jubilee celebration expressed their support for the pope. Luis Arnaldo Lopez Quirindongo, a deacon from Ponce, Puerto Rico, stated, “Even though he’s not here physically, we feel his presence in our hearts, and he is accompanying us through our prayers.”

While there is optimism regarding Francis’ recovery, doctors have made it clear that he will need time to heal and will continue to manage his chronic respiratory issues upon returning to the Vatican.

Alfieri, a member of the medical team, remarked, “He needs to recover from this infection, and we all hope for his complete recovery. However, the reality is that he faces ongoing health challenges.”