Pope Francis, who has been battling double pneumonia for nearly three weeks, remains in stable condition and has resumed some duties, though his overall prognosis remains cautious, the Vatican said on Wednesday.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection, spent much of the day in an armchair and carried out limited work, the Vatican statement added. However, his doctors continue to monitor his condition closely, emphasizing that he is not yet out of danger.
The Vatican disclosed that Francis would once again be placed on non-invasive mechanical ventilation overnight, despite its removal during the day. This measure underscores the pope’s ongoing struggle in overcoming the illness. When not on the ventilator, he receives high-flow oxygen therapy through a nasal hose.
For the first time since February 24, the pope also made a phone call to the Catholic parish in Gaza, an outreach he has maintained since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war.
Lengthy hospital stay raises concerns
Francis has not been seen in public since his hospitalization, marking his longest absence from public life since he assumed the papacy 12 years ago. His doctors have not provided a timeline for his recovery, and he has already missed several significant Church events, including Ash Wednesday—the solemn day marking the beginning of Lent.
In his absence, Cardinal Angelo De Donatis led the Ash Wednesday service in Rome, expressing solidarity with the pope. “We feel deeply united with him at this time. We thank him for offering his prayers and his sufferings for the good of the entire Church and the whole world,” he told the congregation.
Pope Francis, however, took part in a private Ash Wednesday service from his hospital suite, the Vatican said.
The pope’s health has been a subject of concern in recent years. Having suffered pleurisy as a young adult, he had part of one lung removed, making him particularly vulnerable to lung infections.
His current battle with double pneumonia—a condition affecting both lungs—poses a serious risk due to its potential to inflame and scar lung tissue, making breathing difficult.
Earlier this week, the Vatican confirmed that Francis had suffered two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency on Monday, but no further incidents have been reported since then.
