Pope Francis is continuing his therapy and prescribed diet, which now includes eating solid foods, as he remains in the hospital recovering from double pneumonia. The Vatican said he did respiratory and motor physiotherapy and his condition appears stable, with slight gradual improvements. However, doctors are maintaining a guarded prognosis due to the overall complexity of his situation. The pope’s condition has remained stable, with no fever and good oxygen levels, indicating a positive response to therapy. This is the fourth Sunday in a row that he will not appear for his weekly noon blessing, but the Vatican plans to distribute the message he would have delivered.
Francis, 88, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14 after a week-long bout of bronchitis worsened. Doctors diagnosed a complex viral, bacterial, and fungal respiratory tract infection, along with pneumonia in both lungs. Despite his absence, the Vatican’s daily operations continued alongside celebrations of its Holy Year, a once-every-quarter-century Jubilee that brings pilgrims from around the world to Rome. Volunteers are being celebrated this weekend, with many extending their pilgrimage to pray for Francis outside the hospital. Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny will preside over the Holy Year Mass on Sunday for the volunteers.
Doctors have reported that Francis, who has chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed when he was younger, is responding well to the prescribed therapies since he was admitted to the hospital more than three weeks ago. The pope has been using high flows of supplemental oxygen during the day and a noninvasive mechanical ventilation mask at night to help him breathe. Despite showing gradual improvement, the overall situation remains complex, leading doctors to maintain a guarded prognosis. The Vatican said Francis was responding well to treatment and had shown a gradual, mild improvement in recent days, giving hope for his recovery.
The pope’s absence from his weekly blessings marks the first time in four weeks that he has not been able to deliver his message in person. The Vatican is distributing his messages in his absence to maintain his connection with his followers and the faithful. Despite his health struggles, Francis has continued to fulfill his duties as much as possible, with the Vatican adapting as needed to ensure the smooth operation of its daily activities. The ongoing celebrations of the Holy Year and the support of volunteers and pilgrims demonstrate the continued strength and resilience of the Catholic community during this challenging time.
As Francis continues his recovery in the hospital, the Vatican remains hopeful for his eventual return to health. The pope’s stable condition and positive response to therapy are reassuring signs for his medical team and supporters around the world. While the overall situation remains complex, the gradual improvements and lack of fever or oxygen issues are promising indicators of his progress. The prayers and well wishes of volunteers and pilgrims during the Holy Year demonstrate the global outpouring of support for Francis and his swift recovery. With continued medical care and support, the pope is expected to overcome his current health challenges and return to his duties in due course.
