Pope Francis has been recovering in the hospital for two weeks now after being diagnosed with pneumonia. Doctors have indicated that he has moved past the most critical stage of his infection, though they stop short of declaring him fully out of danger.
In an update from the Vatican on Friday, it was reported that the 88-year-old pontiff is showing signs of normalcy and routine as he continues his recovery at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. "Like previous days, it was a quiet night, and the Pope is currently resting," the statement explained.
On Thursday afternoon, doctors offered a more encouraging report, noting an improvement in Francis’s clinical condition. He is managing to switch between high-flow supplemental oxygen from a nasal tube to using a mask, suggesting better respiratory function. Furthermore, he was able to leave his room to pray in his nearby private chapel and continues to engage in respiratory therapy, according to the Vatican.
For the second consecutive day, medical professionals did not classify the Pope’s condition as critical, suggesting he has crossed the most severe phase of the infection. However, they did mention that “more days of clinical stability” are required before reevaluating his prognosis and confirming that he is out of danger.
Pope Francis was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14 due to complications from bronchitis. Since a recent respiratory crisis that raised concerns about his health, his condition has steadily improved. This development has alleviated fears of imminent death, resignation, or a conclave, reaffirming his position as the leader of the Catholic Church.
Support Through Prayer
In Mexico City, a small group gathered at the cathedral Thursday night to pray for the Pope’s recovery. Araceli Gutiérrez expressed her deep emotional connection to him, saying, "He feels like part of the family." She fondly recalled seeing the Pope during his visit to Mexico in 2016.
Maria Teresa Sánchez, visiting from Colombia with her sister, echoed similar sentiments, noting that having Francis as the first Latin American pope makes him feel like having a family member in a high place, close to God.
Uncertain Upcoming Events
Despite his positive progression, the Pope’s short-term schedule is facing changes. The Vatican has canceled a scheduled Year of Mercy audience for Saturday, and it remains uncertain whether he will be able to lead the traditional Sunday blessing for the third week in a row. Ash Wednesday next week marks the beginning of Lent, culminating in Holy Week and Easter Sunday, which this year falls on April 20.
In previous years, illnesses like bronchitis and flu have limited Francis’s participation in Ash Wednesday and the Holy Week events, which often require him to be outdoors in cooler temperatures and engaged in various religious ceremonies.
Looking ahead, there are significant events on the horizon that the Pope may still attend if his health allows. On April 27, he is expected to canonize Carlo Acutis, a teenager who is regarded as the first millennial saint and an inspiration to young Catholics. Additionally, on May 24, the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea will be commemorated, with the Orthodox Christian spiritual leader Patriarch Bartholomew I inviting Francis to join him in Turkey to celebrate this important milestone in reconciliation between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. Prior to his illness, the Pope expressed a desire to attend this event, although the Vatican has not yet confirmed the trip.
