- Feb 5, 2002
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(OSV News) — The world rejoiced March 23 when Pope Francis was released from Gemelli University Hospital in Rome after 38 days. God be praised, he seems to be making slow, incremental improvements, though his doctors caution the Holy Father will need a rest period of at least two months before he resumes any additional work activities.
As we breathe a sigh of relief that Pope Francis no longer seems in immediate danger of death, it is worth pausing to reflect on the profound effect that the pope’s hospital stay had on Catholics and non-Catholics alike around the world.
Let’s begin in Italy, where Italians gave a moving sign of their connection to the Holy Father through their daily praying of the Rosary at the Vatican and by their presence outside his hospital window. Pope Francis has worked hard to underscore his role as the bishop of Rome, and so it is fitting that a great number of Italians showed up day after day to pray, especially as less than 18% of the Italian population attends Mass regularly in what was until very recently a very Catholic country.
Continued below.
As we breathe a sigh of relief that Pope Francis no longer seems in immediate danger of death, it is worth pausing to reflect on the profound effect that the pope’s hospital stay had on Catholics and non-Catholics alike around the world.
Let’s begin in Italy, where Italians gave a moving sign of their connection to the Holy Father through their daily praying of the Rosary at the Vatican and by their presence outside his hospital window. Pope Francis has worked hard to underscore his role as the bishop of Rome, and so it is fitting that a great number of Italians showed up day after day to pray, especially as less than 18% of the Italian population attends Mass regularly in what was until very recently a very Catholic country.
Affection and gratitude
Continued below.
Even though the pope is home, don't stop praying for him
Pope Francis returns home after 38 days in the hospital, with a global outpouring of prayer and support for the pope's continued recovery.