Vatican City, February 20, 2025 – Pope Francis will not appear in public on Sunday to lead his customary prayer with pilgrims, marking the second consecutive week of absence, the Vatican announced on Saturday.
The decision comes as the pontiff remains hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he has been receiving treatment for double pneumonia since February 14 after experiencing several days of breathing difficulties.
In a brief statement, the Vatican noted that the pope had “rested well” overnight, though it did not specify whether he had risen or taken breakfast, as had been reported in previous updates. Instead of the usual live recitation of the Sunday Angelus prayer, the Holy See press office said that the text would be published.
Doctors have described the pope’s condition as “complex,” with his double pneumonia caused by two or more micro-organisms—a serious infection that can inflame and scar the lungs, impairing breathing. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, a senior member of the Gemelli staff, stated, “The pope is not out of danger. The situation could go either way.”
While his medical team has assured that the condition is not currently life-threatening, the pope’s continued absence from public duties underscores the severity of his illness. The Vatican’s latest announcement comes as the papacy navigates the challenges of his ongoing treatment and recovery.
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A deadly attack at a cockfighting venue in coastal Ecuador has left at least 12 dead, with authorities investigating the scene for clues.
Colombia's president has suspended a ceasefire with a FARC offshoot after efforts to extend the truce failed, though peace talks remain on track.
A mob attack on an Ahmadi place of worship in Karachi has left one man dead, highlighting ongoing persecution of the minority group.
A Russian court has sentenced 19-year-old Darya Kozyreva to nearly three years in prison for protesting the war in Ukraine using poetry and graffiti.
The new U.S. ambassador to Japan has called for closer military coordination with Tokyo, framing the alliance as crucial amid rising regional tensions and ongoing trade disputes.
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