Pope Francis Remains Stable as He Recovers from Double Pneumonia, Vatican Reports
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis remained in stable condition on Sunday and did not require mechanical ventilation, the Vatican confirmed, signaling an improvement in his respiratory function as he continued recovering from double pneumonia and a respiratory crisis earlier in the week.
The 88-year-old pontiff continued receiving high-flow supplemental oxygen, following a coughing episode on Friday that had raised concerns about a potential new infection. Doctors maintained a guarded prognosis, indicating he is not yet out of danger but showing signs of progress.
Papal Activities Amid Recovery
Despite his illness, Pope Francis remained active. He received visits from Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s No. 2 official, and Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, the Vatican’s No. 3 official, reflecting his continued engagement with church affairs. He also attended Mass, rested, and prayed, according to the Vatican’s evening bulletin.
However, for the third consecutive Sunday, the pope skipped his weekly noon Angelus blessing to avoid public appearances. Instead, the Vatican released a message in which Francis thanked doctors and well-wishers for their support and offered prayers for peace in Ukraine and other conflict zones.
“From here, war appears even more absurd,” the pope reflected in his message, drafted from his hospital suite at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
“I feel in my heart the ‘blessing’ hidden within frailty because it is precisely in these moments that we learn even more to trust in the Lord.”
Signs of Recovery Despite Respiratory Crisis
Pope Francis’ condition had worsened on Friday when he suffered a respiratory crisis that led to aspiration pneumonia after inhaling vomit during a severe coughing fit. However, by Saturday, doctors noted he was in stable condition with no signs of fever or infection.
Medical reports indicated that the pope responded well to respiratory therapy, with sufficient oxygen exchange even when taken off non-invasive ventilation.
“The night was quiet, the pope is still resting,” the Vatican stated in its Sunday update, adding that Francis was able to read newspapers, have breakfast, and continue with his therapy.
He also managed to spend 20 minutes in his private chapel for prayer on Saturday, further indicating a gradual improvement.
Francis’ Long-Standing Respiratory Issues
Pope Francis has a history of lung disease, having lost part of one lung due to an infection as a young man. His current hospitalization, which began on February 14, followed a bout of bronchitis that escalated into pneumonia in both lungs.
While doctors are optimistic about his gradual recovery, they remain cautious, emphasizing that his condition still requires close monitoring.
Pilgrims Offer Prayers for Pope’s Health
With Holy Year preparations underway, many faithful have visited the Gemelli Hospital to offer prayers for Pope Francis. Pilgrims arriving in Rome for religious celebrations have added Gemelli to their itinerary, seeing it as a site of spiritual solidarity with the ailing pontiff.
Rev. Riccardo Fumagalli, who accompanied a group of young pilgrims from Milan, said they came to the hospital instead of St. Peter’s Square to express their closeness to the Holy Father.
“It seemed good to us to come here and pray for him during this moment of illness,” Fumagalli said.
Similarly, Antonino Cacace, a cancer patient from Milan, arrived at Gemelli for his own treatment and expressed gratitude for Francis’ prayers.
“I am on the ninth floor, and he is on the 10th. I hope to meet him and see him,” Cacace said.
Ongoing Monitoring as Pope’s Recovery Continues
Doctors remain vigilant, ensuring the pope receives proper treatment and respiratory therapy to prevent further complications. While he is gradually improving, his prognosis remains uncertain, and medical staff continue to monitor him closely.
The Vatican has not yet announced when Pope Francis will be discharged or when he will resume public appearances, but signs point to a steady recovery as the Holy Father remains spiritually and physically engaged despite his health challenges.
