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Vatican City Update: Pope Francis’ Condition Stable
Pope Francis continues to show stable vital signs as he enters his third week at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The 88-year-old pontiff is being treated for bilateral pneumonia and is receiving a combination of mechanical ventilation and high-flow oxygen therapy.
Encouragingly, he remains fever-free and has not experienced any further bronchospasms. Sources within the Vatican describe his situation as “complex” but stable, adding that his low white blood cell count suggests infections are under control.
Despite the ongoing health challenges, Pope Francis is reportedly in good spirits, able to eat, walk, and move around. However, his medical team has advised rest, leading him to postpone work with his secretaries on Saturday.
The Pope was initially admitted on February 14th for what was thought to be bronchitis. The subsequent diagnosis of bilateral pneumonia is of particular concern given his history of respiratory issues, including the partial removal of a lung in his youth.
Prayers and well wishes continue to pour in from Catholics worldwide. During the recent National Prayer Breakfast, Vice President JD Vance shared a heartfelt message of support for the ailing pontiff, acknowledging his own daily prayers for Pope Francis’s health and comfort. Despite past disagreements between the Trump administration and the Vatican, the Vice President emphasized the importance of unity and prayer in times of illness, expressing hope that the Pope feels the support of millions of American Catholics.