Pope Francis, who has been battling double pneumonia for nearly three weeks, remains in a stable condition and has resumed some of his duties, the Vatican announced in its latest health bulletin.
The 88-year-old Pontiff was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on 14 February with a severe respiratory infection that necessitated ongoing medical intervention.
According to the Vatican, he spent much of Wednesday seated in an armchair and engaged in limited official work. It was the first such update on his workload since 27 February.
While the Pope has not experienced further breathing crises, his doctors have maintained that his prognosis remains “guarded,” indicating that he is not yet beyond risk. His medical team continues to monitor his condition closely.
Although the Pope was removed from non-invasive mechanical ventilation during the day, the Vatican confirmed that he would be reconnected to the device overnight, underscoring the persistent challenges he faces in recovering fully. When not on mechanical support, he receives high-flow oxygen therapy through a nasal cannula.
For the first time since 24 February, Pope Francis made a telephone call to the Catholic parish in Gaza—an act he has undertaken frequently since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Vatican previously reported that the Pope had suffered two episodes of “acute respiratory insufficiency” on Monday. However, there have been no further such episodes since then.
Also read: Pope Francis' condition 'stable but complex': Vatican
Longest absence from public view
Pope Francis has not been seen in public since his hospitalisation, marking his longest absence from official duties since his papacy began in 2013. There has been no indication as to when he may be discharged or when he will be fit to resume his full responsibilities.
His illness has already caused him to miss several key Church events, including the Ash Wednesday service, which traditionally marks the commencement of Lent. In his absence, Cardinal Angelo De Donatis presided over the service at a church in Rome.
“We feel deeply united with him at this time,” De Donatis told the congregation. “We thank him for offering his prayers and his sufferings for the good of the entire Church and the whole world.”
During the Ash Wednesday service, Christians receive a cross of ashes on their foreheads, symbolising human mortality. De Donatis, in his sermon, reflected on the fleeting nature of life, noting that “in many ways, we try to banish death from our societies. Death, however, imposes itself as a reality with which we have to reckon, a sign of the precariousness and brevity of our lives.” The homily had originally been prepared for the Pope to deliver.
Meanwhile, the Vatican confirmed that the Pope had also participated in an Ash Wednesday observance within his hospital suite.
Over the past two years, Pope Francis has suffered multiple bouts of ill health, making him particularly vulnerable to respiratory infections.
His susceptibility is attributed to pleurisy during his youth, which led to the partial removal of one lung.
Double pneumonia, a severe infection affecting both lungs, results in inflammation and scarring, significantly impairing respiratory function.
Despite his condition, the Pope has remained engaged with Church affairs, but concerns persist over his long-term health and ability to fulfil his demanding role as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
Also read: Pope Francis’ pneumonia worsens, doctors monitor closely
Follow us
