The Third Life of Pope Francis

Francis's convalescence is based on a strict medical plan, detailed by his doctors, based on respiratory and motor physiotherapy to regain partial autonomy. A medical team, composed of doctors from Gemelli and specialists from the Vatican, oversees this process, with regular assessments to adjust efforts to his condition.

Rehabilitation is not entirely new for the Argentinian Pontiff. Since 2022, he has already used a wheelchair for knee pain, and recent surgeries have required periods of recovery. However, the severity of this pneumonia marks a turning point.

According to a Vatican source cited by cath.ch, "The Pope must now accept stricter limits, but he insists on remaining as active as possible." This compromise translates into a lighter schedule: no apostolic trips are planned in the immediate future, and priority is given to engagements within the Vatican itself.

At St. Martha’s House, the emphasis is on the fact that, despite his weakness, the Sovereign Pontiff has not given up on anything. As La Croix points out, Pope Francis resumed daily Mass celebrations on March 24. These "sober and private" Masses constitute an "anchor" for him: "Prayer is my medicine," he confided to a close friend, according to an anecdote in the same newspaper.

The Successor of Peter has no intention of stopping work, but his schedule will be adapted. He resumed his private audiences on March 25, receiving bishops and heads of dicasteries at St. Martha’s House. These meetings are limited to one hour per day, in order to maintain control over key issues: Curial reform, Vatican finances, and preparations for the Jubilee.

On the part of the Secretariat of State and the Curia—which is not necessarily 100% aligned with the Pope—the approach is more nuanced, and journalists are told that Pope Francis "relies more on his collaborators." Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, and his substitute, continue to handle day-to-day matters during the Roman Pontiff's convalescence.

And particularly regarding diplomatic relations with Ukraine and the Middle East: "The Pope sets the broad outlines, but leaves it to his teams to execute," as stressed in Rome. This is intended to make it clear that the high-ranking prelates of the Apostolic Palace are far from having lost their grip. Further, the shadow of the 2025 Jubilee looms over the papal convalescence.

Francis, who sees this Holy Year as an opportunity to relaunch his pontificate, reportedly still intends to play an active role, even if limited. Cath.ch reports that an action plan has been put in place: video broadcasts for certain prayers, delegation of ceremonies to cardinals, and the use of a specially adapted vehicle for occasional trips to the Vatican Basilica.

It is a Jubilee that serves as a test for the rest of a pontificate that now seems to be written in dotted lines, driven by pre-conclave rumors: "It's not a question [for the Pope] of doing everything, but of giving meaning," explains a close friend of the Sovereign Pontiff, quoted by La Croix. This friend intends to make it known that the former Archbishop of Buenos Aires will indeed keep his hand on the helm of the barque of Peter.