Pope Francis Shows Improvement After Pneumonia Setback/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Pope Francis appears to be recovering from a respiratory crisis linked to pneumonia, the Vatican said Monday. Doctors have removed him from mechanical ventilation, and he remains stable with no signs of a new infection. The 88-year-old pontiff, hospitalized since Feb. 14, continues to receive therapy at Gemelli hospital. He skipped his weekly Sunday blessing but released a message emphasizing solidarity with the sick and calling for peace in Ukraine. While his condition remains guarded, the pope is showing progress and remains engaged in Vatican affairs.
Pope Francis’ Recovery: Quick Look
- Current Status: Stable, off mechanical ventilation, undergoing therapy.
- Medical Update: No signs of new infection after a respiratory crisis.
- Hospitalization: Admitted Feb. 14 for pneumonia treatment.
- Sunday Message: Called for peace, expressed solidarity with the sick.
- Vatican Leadership: Met with top officials despite hospitalization.
- Ongoing Care: Receiving high-flow oxygen and monitored closely.
Pope Francis Overcomes Health Scare Amid Pneumonia Recovery
Pope’s Condition Improves After Respiratory Crisis
Pope Francis is showing signs of recovery after suffering a respiratory crisis last week, the Vatican announced Monday. His medical team at Rome’s Gemelli hospital confirmed that he is now off mechanical ventilation and responding well to treatment. While he continues to receive high-flow oxygen therapy through a nasal tube, there are no signs of a new infection, and his condition remains stable.
“The pope rested well all night,” the Vatican’s statement read, adding that he had coffee and breakfast before undergoing therapy.
Francis, 88, has been hospitalized since Feb. 14 after his bronchitis worsened and developed into pneumonia in both lungs. Last Friday, he suffered a severe coughing episode that led to inhalation of vomit, prompting concerns about possible complications. Doctors quickly aspirated the material and monitored him for signs of further infection.
By Sunday evening, however, medical staff determined that Francis had overcome the immediate crisis, with no fever or worsening symptoms. His prognosis remains cautious, but the improvement is a positive sign.
Pope Skips Public Appearance but Issues Message of Peace
Despite his health challenges, Francis remains engaged in Vatican affairs. He met privately with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, and Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, his chief of staff, though the content of their discussions has not been disclosed.
While he was unable to deliver his traditional Sunday noon blessing from St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican released a message penned by Francis in recent days.
“From here, war appears even more absurd,” he wrote, calling once again for peace in Ukraine and conflict zones worldwide. He also reflected on his illness as an opportunity to deepen his faith and connect with those who are suffering.
“I feel in my heart the ‘blessing’ that is hidden within frailty,” the pope’s statement read. “At the same time, I thank God for giving me the opportunity to share in body and spirit the condition of so many sick and suffering people.”
Vatican Officials Lead Prayers for Pope’s Health
As the pope continues his recovery, Vatican officials have organized prayer gatherings for his health. On Sunday night, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski led a Rosary prayer in St. Peter’s Square, calling for the faithful to unite in prayer for the Holy Father.
“Let us pray together with the entire church for the health of Pope Francis,” said Krajewski, who serves as the papal almoner, overseeing charity work on behalf of the Vatican.
On Monday evening, Cardinal Robert Prevost, head of the Vatican’s office for bishops, was scheduled to lead another prayer service in honor of the pope’s recovery.
A History of Health Challenges
Francis, the first Latin American pope, has faced several health concerns in recent years. As a young man in Argentina, he had part of one lung removed due to a severe infection. In 2021, he underwent surgery for colon complications, and he has often relied on a wheelchair due to knee problems.
Despite these issues, Francis has remained an active leader, continuing his work on church reforms, social justice, and global diplomacy. His latest hospitalization, however, has once again raised concerns about his ability to maintain his demanding schedule.
As his medical team closely monitors his recovery, Vatican officials remain hopeful that the pontiff will soon be well enough to return to his residence and resume his leadership duties.
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