Pope Francis is steadily recovering from double pneumonia, dispelling rumors of his imminent death, resignation, or a papal conclave. At 88 years old, the pope showed resilience as he slept soundly on Wednesday night at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, enjoyed breakfast, and began his therapy with a positive outlook, according to the Vatican. Additional medical tests were expected later in the day.
Doctors confirmed further slight improvements in his condition, marking almost two weeks since his hospitalization. Kidney insufficiency detected earlier had improved, blood tests showed slight positive changes, and a chest CT scan revealed that the complex lung infection was progressing normally under treatment. However, the prognosis remains cautious. Given that the pope underwent lung surgery as a young man, he continues to receive supplemental oxygen and respiratory physiotherapy to aid in clearing fluid from his lungs. Fortunately, there have been no new respiratory crises since Saturday, as reported by the Vatican.
Pope Francis’ upcoming schedule has been altered, with the Vatican canceling a scheduled Holy Year audience for Saturday. It remains uncertain if he will miss his third consecutive Sunday noon blessing. Looking ahead, Ash Wednesday on March 5 marks the beginning of the Lenten season, a crucial period leading to Holy Week and Easter on April 20. In previous years, when the pope faced respiratory issues, he had to limit his participation in outdoor events during this solemn period.
Among the pope’s important upcoming events are the canonization of Carlo Acutis on April 27, who is hailed as the first millennial saint and a role model for young Catholics. Another key occasion is the May 24 commemoration of the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea, the first ecumenical council in Christianity. Pope Francis is invited by Patriarch Bartholomew I to join him in Iznik, Turkey, to mark this historic milestone, which symbolizes reconciliation between the Catholic and Orthodox churches. Although Francis had planned to attend before falling ill, the Vatican has yet to confirm the trip.
Throughout his illness, prayers for the pope’s recovery have poured in from around the world. A group of Mexican pilgrims, who had planned to attend the pope’s general audience, detoured to the Gemelli Hospital to pray for his health. Lili Iparea Fernandez, one of the pilgrims, expressed hope for the pope’s recovery, stating, “We firmly believe that the pope will recover because he is a very strong man.”
As part of the Vatican’s nightly routine, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, led the Rosary prayer for the pope’s swift recovery. Re, who would play a significant role in the event of a papal death or conclave, has been tasked with leading the Church’s prayers during this difficult time.
Despite his health challenges, Pope Francis continues to govern the Catholic Church. He approved the appointments of four new bishops and sanctioned a new fundraising initiative for the Holy See, which has faced financial difficulties. Though the decisions were likely made before his hospitalization, their official announcement underscores that Pope Francis remains actively engaged in Church matters, despite his ongoing treatment.
