new coughing attack They forced the pope to pause from reading his speech during a ceremony this Saturday in the oath hall of Giuseppe Pinatone, president of the tribunal that inaugurated the Vatican’s judicial body.
“I thank you all for coming, I have prepared a speech, but you are sorry that I cannot read it because of bronchitis,” said Francisco, read by Monsignor Ciampanelli, the official who accompanied him to all public ceremonies. After speaking, the ceremony continued.
The pope did not suspend his morning audience, which included a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
“During cordial conversations at the Secretariat of State, satisfaction was expressed at the good relations and fruitful cooperation between the Holy See and Germany, underlining the importance of the Christian faith in German society,” the Vatican said in a statement.
One of the “topics of common interest” discussed was the “phenomenon of immigration.”
Pope Francis meets with German head of government Olaf Scholz at the Vatican on Saturday.Photo: AFP“In addition, special reference is made to the conflicts in Ukraine, Israel and Palestine, and the consequent commitment to peace and the unremitting efforts to find a diplomatic solution as soon as possible after the cessation of hostilities,” the text added.
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said earlier: “I saw the Pope last night, he is fine and he told me about the medical examination he underwent today (at the Gemelli Hospital on Tiberan Island, very close to The Holy See) is positive.”
but We are no longer talking about the simple flu.
It is hoped that hospitals will be able to carry out tests, particularly computerized axial tomography (CAT) scans to monitor lung conditions, which will give people peace of mind.
Bronchitis has a long course
But on Saturday morning, news emerged that the pope’s condition had not changed. He has had bronchitis since November This forced him to cancel a trip to attend a key United Nations climate change conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Instead, it was his No. 2, Parolin.
The pope began his Lenten spiritual exercise at the Vatican two weeks ago, allowing him to enjoy a quiet isolation without giving lectures that make him cough.
However, this Saturday Francisco himself confirmed that bronchitis had attacked his lungs and Moderate irritability This is a real test for the 87-year-old pope, given concerns that bronchitis can lead to pneumonia, cemented in Vatican circles.
At the end of March last year, the Pope was hospitalized for several days with pneumonia, but after antibiotic treatment, he quickly returned to his usual activities.
Regardless, a series of surgeries in recent years, as well as chronic knee problems caused by osteoarthritis, have forced him to pause on more than one occasion amid fear and worry.