As usual, the Vatican gave a morning report on Pope Francis' status in the hospital, now his 17th day at the Gemelli.
On Sunday morning the report was that "the Pope is still resting following a peaceful night." And that he later had breakfast, coffee, and read the newspapers.
Vatican News also reported:
Speaking to journalists just after 12 pm, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, confirmed that the Pope received Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and the Substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, who came for a visit.
This is now the second reported visit of these two top officials of the Roman Curia.
On February 24, they also visited him. On that occasion, the Pontiff went over canonization cases with these curial officials -- a rather unusual occurrence since it is usually the prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints who has this prerogative.
This visit caused a stir as the Pope convened a consistory to approve these canonizations. It was during such a consistory that Benedict XVI announced his resignation on February 11, 2013.
Stable
Saturday evening's report was overall positive, particularly noting that the Holy Father did not show signs that would indicate infection.
Yesterday evening the Press Office informed journalists that the Pope's medical condition remained stable with respiratory physiotherapy alternating between non-invasive mechanical ventilation and long periods of supplemental high-flow oxygenation with a good response to gas exchange. It added that the prognosis still remains guarded.
The statement yesterday evening also noted that the Pope does not have a fever or show signs of leukocytosis (high white blood cell count). It added that the Pope remains alert, oriented and in good humor.
On Sunday, the text of the Pope's Angelus reflection was again released. In addition to assuring the People of God that he feels their closeness and prayer, the Pope reflected
I pray for you too. And I pray above all for peace. From here, war appears even more absurd. Let us pray for tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan and Kivu.
The Rosary on Sunday night will be led by Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the cardinal in charge of the Pope's charity work.
