The new phase of the pontificate of Pope Francis begins

On Sunday noon 88-year-old The Pope showed himself for the first time since the beginning of his hospitalizationgreeting them from the Gemelli polyclinic balcony. It was then possible to see both his satisfaction with contact with people and overcoming severe inflammation, as well as clear fatigue. He spoke with difficulty.

On the way to Vatican In the car, Franciszek had a nasal cannula, which means that he still needs oxygen therapy support. This is also the case at the House of Saint Marta, to which he returned after 37 days. At the same time, doctors pointed out that the Pope would continue pharmacological therapy as well as respiratory and motor physiotherapy. They also recommended rest and that during recovery he would avoid effort and contacts with large groups.

The head of the medical team taking care of the Pope in the gemelia polyclinic, Professor Sergio Alfieri, said on Saturday that he was a “exemplary patient”.

It is noted that for Francis to regain strength and resume activity – although probably in a different, less intense form than before – he must continue to follow the recommendations. The Pope's Vatican colleagues have already expressed fears that when Francis returned home, he would like to go back to work and forget that he must save himself. In the current phase of gradual recovery, the Pope cannot expose himself to the next contact with the viruses.

For now, there are no meetings or events in the papal calendar in connection with the ongoing Holy Year. Some of the duties belonging to the Pope – primarily audiences for heads of states and governments – were temporarily taken over by the Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

It is unofficially known that Francis will not take part in the next event of the Holy Year, i.e. in the jubilee of priests established by missionaries of mercy, which will take place on April 28-30. He will send to its participants. The Pope will also be in question whether the Pope will accept the British royal couple in the audience. King Karol III and Queen Kamila They are to visit the Vatican on April 8.

Another unknown are the celebrations of the Holy Week and Easter. There are many indications that they will be chaired by cardinals appointed by Francis. Perhaps, however, he will bless Urbi et orbi faithful on Sunday of the Resurrection on April 20.

You also have to wait for the recovery results of the Pope and a possible further improvement in his condition before one of the most important events of the Holy Year, i.e. the canonization of a blessed Italian teenager with Polish roots Carlo Acutis, who was announced on April 27. The ceremony will take place as part of the schoolchildren's jubilee and over 100,000 people have already enrolled in it. It is also not known whether at the end of May Francis will be able to go to Turkeywhich he had previously planned.

It is certain, however, that with the Pope's return to the Vatican, a new stage of the pontificate begins at the beginning of his 13th year. Its form must only be outlined depending on what Francis will be able to do and whether will regain full communication ability to speak with speaking.

Francis, despite his stay in the hospital in past weeks, worked and made many decisions, which showed that he did not give up his function.