Vatican: Pope Francis in Good Spirits Amid Pneumonia Recovery/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Pope Francis is recovering from pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, sitting up for breakfast after six nights of rest. The 88-year-old pontiff’s blood tests show slight improvement, with Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni noting his good spirits during a visit. Despite his fragile health, Francis remains actively engaged with his aides.
Pope Francis Pneumonia Recovery Quick Looks:
- Pope Francis, 88, is recovering after being hospitalized with pneumonia and a respiratory infection.
- Blood tests show slight improvement in inflammation levels, according to the Vatican.
- Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni visited and described Francis as “joking around as always.”
- Francis was admitted on February 14 after bronchitis worsened into pneumonia in both lungs.
- Doctors are treating him with antibiotics and cortisone for asthmatic bronchitis.
- Francis is prone to respiratory issues, having lost part of a lung in his youth.
- Public speculation about papal succession has intensified amid health concerns.
- No official papal trips are scheduled, as the Vatican focuses on his recovery.
- Francis remains active, working with aides while hospitalized.
- The Vatican has limited medical disclosures, fueling public curiosity and rumors.
Vatican: Pope Francis in Good Spirits Amid Pneumonia Recovery
Deep Look:
Pope Francis is showing signs of improvement as he recovers from pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli hospital. The Vatican announced Thursday that the 88-year-old pontiff ate breakfast while sitting in an armchair after spending a restful sixth night in the hospital. His blood tests indicated a “slight improvement” in inflammation levels, a hopeful sign amid concerns over his fragile health.
Francis, who has a history of respiratory problems—including losing part of his lung as a young man—was admitted to the hospital on February 14 after a case of bronchitis escalated into pneumonia. Medical tests revealed infections in both lungs, compounded by a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection, meaning a mix of bacterial, viral, and other organisms. Doctors are treating him with a combination of antibiotics and cortisone for asthmatic bronchitis.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni visited the pope on Wednesday, spending about 20 minutes with him. She reassured the public that Francis remains his usual self, even sharing a few jokes during their conversation. Despite his age and health challenges, Francis is reportedly working with his aides, staying mentally engaged even from his hospital room.
Francis’ hospitalization has reignited discussions around the Vatican and across Italy about the future of the papacy. In Rome, speculation about who might succeed him is common, with conversations ranging from casual chats among taxi drivers to serious discussions among Vatican insiders. This intrigue has intensified with the release of the Oscar-nominated film Conclave, which focuses on the complexities of papal elections, and Francis’ recent decision to extend the term of the College of Cardinals’ dean—seen by some as a strategic move should a conclave become necessary.
Public fascination with the pope’s health is nothing new. In Italy, phrases like “The pope is fine until he’s dead” reflect a blend of humor and skepticism, especially given the Vatican’s cautious communication strategy. While the Vatican provides twice-daily health updates, detailed insights from Francis’ medical team remain off-limits, fueling both curiosity and conspiracy theories.
Notably, right-wing critics of Francis have taken this opportunity to revive unfounded claims about his papacy’s legitimacy. Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, a vocal opponent excommunicated for schism in 2024, has even suggested an investigation into Francis’ 2013 election—though these assertions lack credible evidence.
Further stirring speculation, a recent video message Francis recorded for Italy’s famed Sanremo song festival—filmed before his hospitalization—sparked rumors about the timing of its production. However, the Vatican clarified that the footage was legitimate and recorded specifically for the event.
Despite the swirling rumors and concerns, the pope’s focus remains on recovery. While Francis has previously acknowledged the possibility of resignation if his health deteriorates, he has also stated that the role of pope is, ideally, a lifelong commitment. For now, Vatican officials and millions of faithful around the world hope for his continued recovery.
The pope’s next public appearance is uncertain, with no official trips on the calendar. Vatican correspondents, who usually prepare for spring travels with the pope, are instead revisiting archives to reflect on his decade-long papacy—just in case.
Francis, currently the third-oldest pope in modern history, has outlived many of his predecessors. While he has a way to go before surpassing Pope Leo XIII, who died at 93, or matching Pope Gregory XII’s tenure, observers worldwide remain watchful. For now, Francis is holding on, working, and even joking amid his hospital stay—testament to his resilience and enduring global significance.
