Pope Francis’ health has been under close watch since his hospitalization earlier this month. The Vatican has issued multiple updates, providing insight into his condition and medical treatment. A new statement now sheds further light on his current state.
On February 14, Vatican News reported that Pope Francis was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic hospital following his morning audiences.
The Holy See Press Office later confirmed that he had been struggling with bronchitis for several days, which affected his ability to deliver public addresses. As a result, he had delegated others to read his prepared remarks at events, including his Wednesday General Audience. Earlier, on February 6, Vatican News had announced that he would conduct his audiences from his residence at Casa Santa Marta due to his illness.
Upon his admission, doctors performed a series of diagnostic tests, focusing on treating his bronchitis and preventing complications.
By February 18, medical examinations confirmed that Pope Francis had developed bilateral pneumonia, raising further concerns. The Holy See Press Office stated that he was undergoing complex treatment, including corticosteroids and antibiotics, due to a polymicrobial infection.
Despite his worsening symptoms, reports indicated that the Pope remained in good spirits, spending time resting, praying, and reading. He also received the Eucharist and expressed gratitude for the prayers offered for his recovery.
On February 22, Vatican News shared a concerning update from the Holy See Press Office, revealing that Pope Francis remained in critical condition. An update via Instagram confirmed that he had suffered an asthma-like respiratory crisis earlier that morning, necessitating the use of high-flow oxygen.
Blood tests revealed thrombocytopenia and anemia, requiring transfusions. Although the Pope remained alert and was sitting in an armchair, he appeared more fatigued than the previous day, and his condition remained serious.
As of February 23, Pope Francis had spent his ninth consecutive night in the hospital. A Vatican statement released on Sunday morning confirmed that he continued treatment for double pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
During a press conference, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, head of the Pope’s medical team, and Dr. Luigi Carbone, Vice-Director of Vatican healthcare services, addressed journalists for approximately forty minutes. They noted that Pope Francis was expected to remain hospitalized for at least another week. While they reassured the public that he was not in immediate danger of death, they emphasized that he was still not out of danger.
Dr. Alfieri clarified that while the Pope was not on a ventilator, he continued to struggle with breathing and had to limit physical movement.
Despite his condition, Pope Francis remained engaged and continued his work. In a moment of humor, when a doctor greeted him with, “Hello, Holy Father,” the Pope reportedly responded, “Hello, Holy Son.”
Medical experts cited their main concern as the risk of a bacterial infection entering his bloodstream, which could lead to sepsis.
However, Dr. Alfieri remained optimistic about the Pope’s eventual discharge and return to Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican. He cautioned, though, that the Pope’s chronic respiratory issues would persist even after his hospital stay.
Sources close to the situation revealed that Pope Francis had been enduring significant pain and had privately expressed doubts about his chances of recovery.
On Sunday, doctors at Gemelli Hospital made the difficult decision to prevent him from delivering his usual morning Angelus sermon—a rare occurrence, even during previous hospitalizations. Insiders say the Pope is now strictly following medical directives, a notable change from his usual determination to maintain his routine.
This is not the first time Pope Francis has faced serious health challenges. In March 2023, he was hospitalized for several days due to a respiratory infection.
At the time, the Vatican disclosed that he had been experiencing breathing difficulties and was admitted to Gemelli Hospital for medical tests. Doctors ruled out COVID-19 but determined he required specialized treatment and an extended hospital stay.
Later, in June 2023, he was again hospitalized for abdominal surgery to treat a painful incisional hernia, a complication from previous operations that had caused intestinal blockages. He remained in the hospital for nine days before returning to the Vatican, discreetly entering through a side gate to avoid the reporters gathered outside.
Over the years, Pope Francis has developed connections with global leaders and celebrities alike, including figures like George Clooney and Angelina Jolie. As his health remains a matter of worldwide concern, supporters from all walks of life continue to send prayers and well wishes for his recovery.