Pope Francis Still in Critical Condition, Shows Slight Improvement

Pope Francis Still in Critical Condition, Shows Slight Improvement \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Pope Francis remains in critical condition but has shown slight improvement in his battle with pneumonia, the Vatican reported Monday. The 88-year-old pontiff, hospitalized since Feb. 14, has resumed some work, including calling a Catholic parish in Gaza. While doctors remain cautious, his latest medical update was more optimistic, noting that his oxygen therapy has been slightly reduced and his kidney function is stable. Meanwhile, prayers for Francis continue, with vigils in St. Peter’s Square echoing those held when St. John Paul II was dying.

Pope Francis Health Update: Quick Looks

• Still in Critical Condition: Pope Francis remains hospitalized with pneumonia in both lungs, though doctors report slight improvements.
• No New Respiratory Crises: The Vatican says Francis has not had additional breathing difficulties since Saturday.
• Oxygen Therapy Reduced: His oxygen flow has been slightly lowered, a positive sign of improvement.
• Sepsis Risk Still Present: Doctors continue to monitor for sepsis, a potentially fatal bloodstream infection.
• Resumes Some Work: Francis signed documents and made calls, including to a Catholic parish in Gaza.
• Vatican Holds Prayer Vigil: Cardinal Pietro Parolin led a nighttime Rosary service in St. Peter’s Square, echoing past vigils for St. John Paul II.
• Longest Hospitalization as Pope: At 10 days and counting, this is Francis’ longest hospital stay since becoming pope.
• What’s Next? The Vatican remains cautious, saying his recovery is ongoing but still uncertain.

Deep Look

Pope Francis remains in critical condition at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, but on Monday, the Vatican provided its most optimistic update yet, reporting slight improvements in his laboratory results and confirming that the pope has resumed limited work.

Despite his fragile state, the 88-year-old pontiff, who is battling pneumonia in both lungs, even managed to call a Catholic parish in Gaza, continuing a tradition of daily check-ins with the war-torn community.

A Somber Atmosphere at the Vatican

While Monday’s medical update offered a glimmer of hope, the mood in the Vatican remains grim.

That evening, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s No. 2 official, led a nighttime Rosary prayer service in St. Peter’s Square, reminiscent of the vigils held when St. John Paul II was dying.

“For 2,000 years, the Christian people have prayed for the pope when he was in danger or sick,” Parolin told the gathered crowd.

Standing on the same stage where Francis typically presides, Parolin prayed for his swift recovery, saying:

“We want to unite ourselves publicly to this prayer here, in his house, in this moment of illness and trial.”

At Gemelli Hospital, where Francis has now spent 10 days, doctors, nurses, and hospital visitors gathered in the chapel for an emotional Mass, many of them visibly moved.

“We are very sorry. Pope Francis is a good pope, let’s hope that he makes it,” said a choked-up Filomena Ferraro, who was visiting a hospitalized relative. “We are joining him with our prayers, but what else can we do?”

Medical Update: Small Improvements But Caution Remains

According to the Vatican’s latest medical briefing, Francis has not suffered any additional respiratory crises since Saturday. His oxygen therapy continues, but doctors have slightly reduced the oxygen flow and concentration, a sign of improvement.

Doctors also addressed concerns about a slight kidney insufficiency detected on Sunday, saying that for now, it is not causing alarm.

However, his prognosis remains guarded, and doctors continue to monitor for the risk of sepsis, a potentially fatal bloodstream infection that can develop as a complication of pneumonia.

Dr. Sergio Alfieri, head of medicine at Gemelli Hospital, previously warned:

“Sepsis, combined with his respiratory problems and age, would be extremely difficult to overcome.”

To date, the Vatican has not indicated any signs of sepsis, but the risk remains high given Francis’ advanced age and history of lung disease.

Pope Resumes Some Work, Calls Gaza Parish Amid Recovery

Despite his condition, Francis resumed light work on Monday, including reading, signing documents, and making phone calls.

One of his first calls was to Rev. Gabriel Romanelli, the priest leading Gaza City’s Catholic parish, which has been sheltering Palestinians displaced by war.

For over a year, Francis has checked in daily with the parish, expressing his support and solidarity with the Christian community in Gaza.

The Vatican said Romanelli recently sent Francis a video message, and in response, the pope called him back to thank him and offer his continued support.

Longest Hospitalization of His Papacy

At 10 full days, this hospitalization is now the longest of Francis’ 11-year papacy.

Previously, his longest hospital stay was in 2021, when he spent 10 days recovering from colon surgery after having 33 centimeters (13 inches) of his colon removed.

Unlike his previous stays, however, this illness has been more severe and prolonged, sparking global concern over the pope’s ability to fully recover.

A Race Against Time and a Fragile Recovery

As Francis fights to stabilize, Vatican officials are closely monitoring his condition while trying to quell speculation about his future.

• Doctors will continue monitoring his oxygen levels, kidney function, and infection risk.
• The Vatican is preparing contingency plans in case Francis’ condition worsens.
• Catholics worldwide continue to pray for his recovery, while Vatican officials remain cautious about discussing long-term outcomes.

For now, Pope Francis remains in a delicate balance—showing small signs of improvement, yet still in a critical condition that could change at any moment.

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