Vatican Says Pope Francis Slightly Improves as Prayers Continue/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Pope Francis remains in critical condition with pneumonia but has shown slight improvement and resumed some work, the Vatican said. The 88-year-old pontiff called a Gaza parish priest, reflecting his ongoing pastoral commitment amid illness. Prayers continue globally as the Vatican holds night-time vigils in St. Peter’s Square.
Pope Francis Health Update: Quick Looks
- Pope Francis remains hospitalized with double pneumonia, but shows slight improvement
- Vatican reports reduced oxygen support and stable kidney function
- Francis resumes limited work, signing documents and making pastoral calls
- Pontiff calls Gaza parish priest, expressing solidarity amid ongoing conflict
- Night-time Rosary prayer held at St. Peter’s Square as global prayers intensify
- Main health concern remains potential risk of sepsis, though no signs reported
- Hospitalization now marks Francis’ longest stay as pope at 10 days
- Faithful gather at Rome’s Gemelli hospital chapel for emotional Mass
Vatican Says Pope Francis Slightly Improves as Prayers Continue
Deep Look
ROME — Pope Francis remains in critical condition with pneumonia but has shown signs of improvement while continuing limited work, the Vatican said Monday. The 88-year-old pope, hospitalized since Feb. 14 at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, has battled double pneumonia, raising global concern for his health.
“Starting this evening, we unite in prayer for the pope’s swift recovery,” said Cardinal Pietro Parolin during a night-time Rosary vigil at St. Peter’s Square, evoking memories of past papal vigils.
Signs of Improvement Amid Ongoing Risk
Doctors noted no new respiratory crises since Saturday and reduced oxygen support as Francis continues treatment. A slight kidney insufficiency detected earlier isn’t causing alarm.
- Francis is alert, received the Eucharist Monday morning
- Began signing documents and reading again in the afternoon
- No need for artificial nutrition at present
Pastoral Commitment Despite Illness
Demonstrating pastoral dedication, Francis called Rev. Gabriel Romanelli, a Gaza City parish priest. The church has served as a shelter for Palestinians amid regional conflict.
“He expressed fatherly closeness,” the Vatican said, highlighting his continued concern for global crises.
Francis has maintained daily contact with Romanelli for over a year, underscoring his commitment to humanitarian outreach even from his hospital bed.
Prayers Intensify Worldwide
The Vatican’s evening Rosary drew hundreds to St. Peter’s Square in the rain, echoing vigils during St. John Paul II’s final days.
“For 2,000 years, Christians have prayed for the pope during times of peril,” said Cardinal Parolin.
In Rome’s Gemelli hospital chapel, an emotional Mass was held with many attendees in medical scrubs praying alongside visitors.
“We are very sorry. Pope Francis is a good pope. Let’s hope that he makes it,” said Filomena Ferraro, a visitor at the hospital.
Medical Outlook and Concerns
Doctors continue to monitor for sepsis, a serious pneumonia complication. While no signs have emerged, Francis’ age and lung history (partially removed lung in youth) increase risks.
Francis’ current hospitalization has surpassed his previous longest stay as pope — a 10-day visit in 2021 following colon surgery.
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