Pope Francis to visit Türkiye on May 26, Patriarch Bartholomew announces

Patriarch Bartholomew of the Türkiye-based Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate has announced that Pope Francis will visit Türkiye on May 26, according to Germany’s state-owned Deutsche Welle‘s Turkish edition.

The Patriarch expressed his hope that the Pope, who is set to visit Türkiye for the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of the Christian Church, will fully recover and be able to make the trip.

He added that he is praying for the Pope’s health.

The first ecumenical council, which brought together bishops to discuss and decide on major theological matters, was held in Nicaea in 325. The Pope’s visit for the anniversary of this council was announced last year. However, exact date for the Pope’s visit was not clear.

Pope Francis had a ‘calm night’

The Vatican stated on Wednesday that the Pope had a “calm night” at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.

Doctors noted that he is recovering slowly but steadily and is no longer in critical condition. However, given his overall health and fragility, they stressed that caution is necessary, and the duration of his hospital stay remains uncertain.

The 88-year-old Argentine Pope was admitted to the hospital on February 14 due to a respiratory infection. He has been undergoing treatment for pneumonia, which has affected both of his lungs, since then.

Pope’s recent health issues

This is the latest in a series of health challenges Francis has faced in recent years.

In 2022, he canceled planned trips to Africa due to knee problems, which have left him using a cane or wheelchair to get around.

In 2023, he was hospitalized in Rome with a respiratory infection and later underwent abdominal surgery for a hernia.

Earlier this year, the Vatican reported that the pope fell at his home, slightly injuring his right arm.

The pontiff, born in Argentina in 1936, has struggled with health issues for much of his life.

At age 21, he had part of his lung removed due to life-threatening pneumonia and three cysts. He said the ordeal inspired him to join the Jesuits.