Pope Francis remains in a critical condition but has resumed some work activities from his hospital bed, the Vatican announced on Monday. Concerns about the 88-year-old pontiff’s health have intensified since his hospitalization on February 14, following respiratory complications that led to a diagnosis of double pneumonia.
According to a statement released by the Vatican, Pope Francis’ clinical condition has shown slight improvement despite the severity of his illness. “The Holy Father’s clinical condition, though critical, shows slight improvement,” the statement read. The Vatican added that the Pope had experienced no further asthmatic respiratory crises throughout the day.
Despite his frail state, Pope Francis has continued some of his papal duties from his hospital room. In the morning, he participated in receiving the Eucharist, and later in the afternoon, he resumed work-related activities. In the evening, he reached out to the pastor of Gaza Parish in a phone call, expressing his pastoral closeness and support.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni clarified that doctors have not changed their guarded prognosis due to the complexity of the Pope’s condition. However, kidney issues that had previously caused concern are reportedly no longer a problem.
Reports of Pope Francis’ illness have sparked widespread concern among Catholics and world leaders. Over the weekend, Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York described the pontiff as being in “very, very fragile health and probably close to death.” His statement, delivered during a service at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, added to the growing anxiety surrounding the Pope’s well-being.
The Pope’s cousin, Carla Rabezzana, expressed her worries in an interview with the Italian news agency Ansa. “We are all very worried,” she said. “We hope he recovers quickly and overcomes this difficult moment. I follow everything on the news, and I am very anxious.”
In response to the situation, the Vatican’s Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, has begun leading nightly masses in St. Peter’s Square. These gatherings, attended by fellow cardinals and believers, are dedicated to praying for the Pope’s recovery.
Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where Pope Francis is receiving treatment, reported that he had a peaceful night on Monday. The hospital’s statement, shared via Telegram, indicated that the Pope was eating normally, but doctors did not provide further updates on his overall improvement.
Given his age and history of health complications including previous surgeries and respiratory issues the pontiff’s recovery remains uncertain. Nevertheless, his ability to engage in limited work activities from his hospital bed has provided some reassurance to his followers.
For now, the Catholic community remains united in prayer and hope for Pope Francis’ health, while the Vatican closely monitors his condition.
