The pope has been diagnosed with bronchitis and will not preside over a Palm Sunday mass
The Vatican said in a statement that Pope Francis’ health “improved dramatically” on Thursday after he was given an intravenous antibiotic.
Doctors at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome diagnosed the leader of the Catholic Church with bronchitis, which required “the administration of antibiotic treatment that produced the expected effects, with a significant improvement in his state of health,” read a statement. Quoted by the Associated Press.
“Depending on the expected course, the Holy Father could be discharged in the coming days,” the statement concluded.
However, it remains uncertain whether Pope Francis will be able to preside over some of the celebrations of the Easter season, including the main ones, on April 9. At the moment, it is known that on Sunday the Palm Sunday mass will be presided over by the Vice-Dean of the College of Cardinals, Leonardo Sandri.
“Yes, of course, I can confirm that I will celebrate Palm Sunday: already last Monday the Master of Pontifical Ceremonies informed me that the rites of Holy Week would be celebrated by both cardinals and they asked me for a Palm Sunday,” Sandry told ANSA.
For the main celebration on April 9, Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, was called. However, the Italian press reports that this scenario depends on whether or not Pope Francis recovers.
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