Pope Francis has been particularly unwell this year as his annual bout of lung issues rear their ugly head once more. His pleurisy as a child left him weakened to respiratory illness, and double pneumonia has left his holiness bedbound for the past month or so. However, since his prolonged absence, images of the Pontiff have now emerged to the delight of Catholics around the world.
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The thoughts and prayers from thousands of catholic worshipers have been sent the Vatican's way for the past few weeks. Initially, Pope Francis came down with a bout of double pneumonia, but it quickly grew in severity.
Since then, he has been hospitalized, rarely making public appearances. A few public statements were made, and he was typically jovial. However, he hadn't been seen since his long stint in the hospital during which he was put on a breathing machine.
However, this past Sunday, an image of Pope Francis has been released. He is seen sitting in a wheelchair, facing an altar. He is dressed in his purple Lenten liturgical vestments, fitting for the time of year. This is the first time he has been seen taking a mass since his prolonged hospital visit.
Vatican State That Pope Francis Is 'Out Of Danger Of Death.'
There has been hesitant talk of Pope Francis possibly abdicating from his position. Presumed successors have been a topic of conversation of late. However, sources close to Pope Francis say he wouldn't dream of abdicating.
But, that doesn't stop people worrying about his mortal grip. His Holiness is 88 years old at this point, and ill health can quickly take someone of his age down. But, a statement released by the Vatican says that at the moment, he is 'out of danger of death.'
This has come as a relief to millions of Catholics around the globe, including the thousands of people who have come to visit Pope Francis over the past month or so. Many have visited the Vatican to offer their prayers from outside his window. The closer the proximity of the prayers, the more powerful they are, I think.
I don't know, I'm not a theologian.
