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By Shane Croucher
Senior Editor
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Pope Francis' condition has improved as doctors upgraded his prognosis, saying the 88-year-old is no longer in imminent danger from the double pneumonia that has kept him hospitalized for almost a month.
However, he remains under medical supervision at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where he continues to receive treatment and rehabilitation.
Why It Matters
The illness marks one of the gravest health challenges of Francis' 12-year papacy.
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The pope, who has chronic lung disease and previously had part of one lung removed, was admitted to the hospital on February 14 with a complex respiratory infection.
His extended hospitalization has raised concerns about his ability to carry out his demanding schedule and the future of his leadership in the Catholic Church.
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What To Know
Doctors at Gemelli Hospital said Francis had shown signs of improvement in recent days, with blood tests confirming a positive response to treatment.
Although he remains on supplemental oxygen during the day and uses a ventilation mask at night, his condition is stable, according to a Vatican statement released on Tuesday.
The Vatican said Francis woke up around 8 a.m. after a quiet night. He has been sleeping later than his usual 4:30 a.m. wake-up time at the Vatican, adjusting to the hospital's environment.
On Monday, doctors lifted their previously "guarded" prognosis, determining that the pope was no longer in immediate danger.
However, they noted his overall fragility and the risk of potential complications, leading them to extend his hospital stay.
"In view of the complexity of the clinical picture and the important infectious condition present upon admission, it will be necessary to continue medical drug therapy in a hospital setting for additional days," the Vatican said in a statement.
Despite his illness, Francis has remained engaged in church matters. On Monday, he participated via videoconference in the Vatican's weeklong spiritual retreat marking the beginning of Lent.
He is expected to continue following the retreat remotely through Friday.
The retreat, which is led by the Reverend Roberto Pasolini, centers on the theme "The hope of eternal life," a topic selected before Francis was hospitalized.
While Pasolini delivers his meditations to clergy members gathered at the Vatican, the pope listens from his hospital room, though the attendees cannot see or hear him.
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What People Are Saying
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said in a statement: "The Holy Father remains in good spirits and is deeply grateful for the prayers and well-wishes from Catholics and people of all faiths around the world."
Father Antonio Spadaro, a Jesuit priest close to the pope, told Italian media outlet La Repubblica that Francis had continued to work despite his condition: "He has always been a pope who does not stop. Even in sickness, he remains connected to the world and to his mission."
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's secretary of state, told Vatican News: "His Holiness has faced health challenges before, and we trust in his strength and in the care of his doctors."
Pope Francis posted on X, formerly Twitter, on March 7: "I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health. May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you."
What Happens Next
Francis is expected to remain in the hospital for several more days as he continues treatment.
The Vatican has not provided a timeline for his return to public duties, but officials have said that any resumption of activities will depend on medical guidance.
In the meantime, the pope has been kept informed about global events, including severe flooding in his native Argentina. The Vatican confirmed that he sent a telegram expressing condolences and solidarity with those affected by the disaster.
As Francis recovers, Vatican officials continue to manage his engagements, with aides preparing for the possibility of reduced public appearances in the coming weeks.
This article uses reporting from the Associated Press.
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