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By Billal Rahman
Immigration Reporter
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Pope Francis continues to rest following a peaceful night at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where he has been receiving treatment since February.
On Sunday morning, March 9, the Holy See Press Office reported that overnight was quiet and Pope Francis had a "restful" night, with his condition showing mild improvement.
Why It Matters
The 88-year-old pontiff is receiving treatment for bilateral pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where he was admitted on February 14. On Thursday evening, he shared an audio message expressing gratitude for people's prayers.
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What To Know
The Press Office said on Saturday evening that Pope Francis is responding well to the therapies prescribed by doctors.
For the fourth consecutive Sunday, he will not deliver his traditional noon blessing, though the Vatican plans to distribute the text he would have read if he had been well enough.
The Argentine pope, who has chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, has remained stable, with no fever and good oxygen levels in his blood for several days, according to a Vatican statement on Saturday.
The doctors said that stability "as a consequence testifies to a good response to therapy." It was the first time the doctors had reported that Francis was responding positively to the treatment for the complex lung infection that was diagnosed after he was hospitalized on February 14.
Vatican operations continued alongside preparations for the Holy Year, the once-in-25-years Jubilee that draws millions of pilgrims to Rome.
Pope Francis, who was hospitalized for a severe case of bronchitis, has been using high-flow supplemental oxygen during the day and a noninvasive mechanical ventilation mask at night to assist with his breathing. What initially appeared to be bronchitis evolved into a complex respiratory tract infection and double pneumonia, marking the longest period of illness in his 12-year papacy and sparking concerns about his future.
On Sunday, Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny, a close ally of Pope Francis, will read the pontiff's prepared homily at the Mass for the Jubilee of the World of Volunteers in St. Peter's Square, a role the pope had originally planned to fulfill. The pontiff's midday Angelus address will be distributed as on previous Sundays.
In the afternoon, Pope Francis plans to follow the spiritual exercises being held in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican, maintaining spiritual Communion with the Roman Curia from his hospital room.
The Holy See Press Office said in a statement on Saturday evening: "The Holy Father's clinical condition over the last few days has remained stable and, consequently, shows a good response to the therapies. There is therefore a gradual, mild improvement."
The statement added that the pope has not had a fever, his respiratory gas exchange has improved, and his blood work results remain stable. However, it added that "the doctors prudently maintain that the prognosis is still guarded" as they monitor his initial progress in the coming days.
What People Are Saying
Vatican News said in a post on X, formerly Twitter: "Pope Francis had a restful night as his clinical condition shows gradual, mild improvement, according to the Holy See Press Office on Sunday morning."
What Happens Next
Although the condition of Pope Francis shows gradual improvement, his doctors continue to monitor his progress and maintain a cautious outlook as he recovers.
This article includes reporting by The Associated Press.
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