Pope Francis continues to show signs of improvement as he remains under medical care at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been battling pneumonia in both lungs for the past month, passed another “quiet night,” according to the Vatican’s latest update on Friday.
While no longer in critical condition, Pope Francis still requires respiratory assistance. During the day, he uses a nasal cannula, and at night, he receives oxygen therapy through a mask. His recovery has been slow but steady, and he has been engaging in physiotherapy and other treatments to regain his strength.
On Thursday, the Pope also took part in a modest celebration marking his 12-year anniversary as the head of the Catholic Church. He was presented with a cake, prayed, and continued his breathing exercises, a vital part of his recovery process.
The Vatican press office has been providing daily medical bulletins on the Pope’s condition, but it hinted that these updates might soon become less frequent. “It takes time for an 88-year-old body affected by bilateral pneumonia to recover, also in terms of energy and strength,” a Vatican spokesperson said.
The prolonged hospitalization, which began on February 14, has been the longest and most challenging of Pope Francis’ papacy. His health struggles have sparked discussions about his ability to continue leading the world’s nearly 1.4 billion Catholics. The Pope has faced multiple health concerns in recent years, including knee problems and past lung infections, but he has continued to fulfill his duties to the best of his ability.
Talks are now shifting toward when he might be discharged from the hospital. However, medical experts caution that a full recovery for someone of his age and condition will require patience and careful monitoring. His future engagements and travel plans will likely be adjusted to accommodate his health needs.
As the Catholic community prays for his full recovery, the Vatican remains optimistic about his return to the Vatican soon. For now, Pope Francis continues to rest, undergo treatment, and focus on regaining his strength before resuming his pastoral responsibilities.
