Pope Francis, aged 88, has been hospitalized for over three weeks due to double pneumonia. Recent updates from the Vatican indicate that he is showing signs of gradual improvement, although his overall condition remains complex and requires careful monitoring.

Key Takeaways

• Pope Francis has been hospitalized since February 14, 2025, due to double pneumonia.
• His condition is reported to be stable, with slight improvements noted by medical staff.
• The pontiff is now able to eat solid foods and has been engaging in physiotherapy.
• Despite improvements, doctors maintain a guarded prognosis due to his age and medical history.

Current Health Status

Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after a severe respiratory infection escalated into double pneumonia. His treatment has included high-flow supplemental oxygen during the day and non-invasive mechanical ventilation at night. As of the latest updates, he has shown no fever and stable blood oxygen levels, which are positive indicators of his response to treatment.

The Vatican has reported that the pope is now able to eat solid foods and has been participating in respiratory and motor physiotherapy. This marks a significant step in his recovery process, as he had previously been limited to a liquid diet.

Public Response and Support

Despite his absence from public appearances, the Vatican continues to operate normally, and many well-wishers have gathered outside the hospital to pray for the pope’s recovery. Flowers, candles, and messages of support have been left at the hospital, reflecting the global concern for his health.

On March 3, the pope experienced acute respiratory insufficiency, which raised alarms about his health. However, the recent updates have been cautiously optimistic, with the Vatican stating that his condition is stable and showing gradual improvement.

Future Outlook

While the updates from the Vatican have been encouraging, doctors have emphasized the need for a guarded prognosis. Given Pope Francis’s age and his history of chronic lung issues, including having part of one lung removed in his youth, the road to full recovery may be lengthy and fraught with challenges.

The pontiff has continued to work from his hospital room, signing documents and sending messages to various groups, including a recent message to an anti-abortion group undertaking a pilgrimage to the Vatican. This demonstrates his commitment to his duties even while hospitalized.

As the world watches and prays for his recovery, the Vatican has assured that they will keep the public informed about his health status. The pope’s absence from his weekly blessings has been felt deeply by many, but his resilience and the support from the global community provide hope for his return to health.

Sources

• Pope Francis now eating solid foods, showing ‘slight gradual improvements’, Fox News.
• Pope Francis spent quiet night resting, cbs19.tv.
• Pope Francis showing “gradual, slight improvement,” Vatican says, CBS News.
• Pope Francis, starting fourth week in hospital, showing improvement, Vatican says, Reuters.
• Pope Francis showing “gradual, slight improvement” amid double pneumonia treatment, CBS News.