Pope Francis remains in a delicate condition as he continues to battle pneumonia in both lungs, though the Vatican reported on Tuesday that he has shown slight signs of improvement.
The 88-year-old pontiff was hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 after experiencing breathing difficulties due to bronchitis. While his condition initially deteriorated, sparking prayers from Catholics around the world, recent updates suggest a slow but positive recovery.
“The Pope rested well throughout the night,” the Vatican confirmed on the 12th day of his hospital stay.
A more optimistic update on Monday evening noted that his “critical clinical conditions… demonstrate a slight improvement.” The Vatican also stated that since Saturday—when he required high-flow oxygen—Francis has had no further respiratory attacks, and some of his lab results have improved.
Despite this progress, doctors remain cautious. Dr. Luigi Carbone, one of the Pope’s physicians, described him as a “fragile patient,” warning that his recovery will take time. Given the complexity of his condition, medical experts have refrained from making any definitive prognosis.
While in the hospital, Pope Francis has continued some light work from his private papal suite on the 10th floor. He has also managed to move from his bed to an armchair and receives the Eucharist each morning.
His health struggles have reignited speculation about a possible resignation. Pope Francis previously disclosed that he wrote a resignation letter 12 years ago in case a serious illness rendered him incapable of fulfilling his duties.
The letter was entrusted to Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, then Secretary of State, when Francis assumed the papacy in 2013. In an interview with Spanish newspaper ABC, the Pope revealed, “I signed it and said: ‘If I should become impaired for medical reasons or whatever, here is my resignation.’”
He further suggested that the letter was likely passed to Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Bertone’s successor. With his signature humor, Francis quipped, “Now someone will run up to Bertone and say, ‘Give me that piece of paper!’”
For now, the Vatican remains focused on his recovery, with no official discussions of a resignation.