The Thursday evening report on Pope Francis had good news:
The Holy Father's clinical condition is confirmed to be improving again today.
He alternated high-flow oxygen therapy with a Ventimask. Due to the complexity of the clinical picture, further days of clinical stability are needed to clarify the prognosis.
In the morning, the Holy Father underwent respiratory physiotherapy, alternating it with rest. In the afternoon, after an additional physiotherapy session, he spent time in prayer in the chapel of his private apartment on the 10th floor, where he received the Eucharist. He then engaged in work activities.
And on Friday morning, now the 15th day of his hospitalization:
"As in recent days, the night passed calmly, and the Pope is now resting," read a Holy See Press Office statement.
Tonight's Rosary will be lead by the prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández.
Ash Wednesday
The Vatican also announced on Friday that Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, Major Penitentiary of Apostolic Penitentiary, will preside at the traditional celebration of the Ash Wednesday liturgy on the Aventine Hill.
Ash Wednesday is March 5.
Vatican News noted the specifics of the tradition:
Maintaining an ancient Roman tradition revived by St John XXIII, the Pope usually begins the Ash Wednesday “stational” liturgy at the church of Sant’Anselmo before leading a penitential procession to the Basilica of Santa Sabina on the Aventine Hill where he celebrates Mass. Given the Holy Father is in Rome's Gemelli Hospital being treated for bilateral pneumonia, he has delegated the Cardinal to preside in his place for this year's ceremony.
"The Ash Wednesday liturgy is a penitential type of celebration, which is why the Pope called upon the Major Penitentiary," explains a Vatican source. The Major Penitentiary, who runs the Apostolic Penitentiary, is responsible in particular for indulgences related to the current Holy Year.
Follow the updates on the Pope's health here.
