Pope Francis is gradually regaining his strength in the hospital, but according to Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, he must “relearn to speak” following an extended period of high-flow oxygen therapy.
The Cardinal, who leads the Vatican’s doctrinal office, has dismissed rumors regarding the Pope’s possible retirement, affirming instead that His Holiness is returning to his former self. “The Pope is doing very well, but high-flow oxygen dries everything out,” he shared. “He needs to relearn how to speak, but his overall physical condition remains as it was before.”
At 88 years old, Pope Francis has been hospitalized for five weeks due to double pneumonia. During this time, the Vatican has only released one brief audio clip of him speaking on March 6, when his voice sounded strained and difficult to understand.
The Vatican confirmed that the Pope had not needed mechanical ventilation for breathing assistance since the previous Monday, opting instead for oxygen delivered through a small hose under his nose for much of the time. However, the timing of his return to the Vatican remains uncertain. Cardinal Fernandez noted he could not say whether the Pope would be discharged in time for Easter, which falls on April 20.
“He could return, but the doctors want to be 100% sure,” the Cardinal emphasized. “He feels it is vital to dedicate his remaining time to others rather than himself.”
When asked if he believed the Pope might resign, Cardinal Fernandez replied, “I really don’t think so, no.”
It is worth noting that Pope Francis has faced several health challenges over the last two years, and his history of pleurisy as a young adult, along with the partial removal of one lung, makes him more susceptible to lung infections.
“This has been a difficult journey for him, but his commitment to serving others remains unwavering,” Cardinal Fernandez concluded.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
