In brief
The 88-year-old pontiff remains hospitalized but is no longer in critical condition after experiencing respiratory issues.
Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized for two weeks due to pneumonia, is reportedly showing signs of improvement, according to an update from the Vatican. The 88-year-old remains in Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where he was admitted on February 14 after experiencing breathing difficulties that initially led to a bronchitis diagnosis before developing into pneumonia in both lungs.The Vatican indicated on Friday morning that the Pope had a "peaceful night" and is currently resting. Sources from Italian news agency Ansa noted that the pontiff has moved out of the "critical phase" of his illness but will remain in hospital until his clinical picture stabilizes. On February 22, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis had experienced a respiratory crisis which put him in critical condition; however, updates over the weekend confirmed that he had not faced any further respiratory crises. In light of his health challenges, the pontiff has asked Catholics worldwide to pray for him, missing two consecutive traditional Angelus prayers. The Vatican emphasized that further days of clinical stability are essential before providing a prognosis for the Pope's recovery. Given his past medical history, including a partial lung removal after suffering from pleurisy as a young man, the Pope is particularly vulnerable to pneumonia, an infection that can be triggered by a range of pathogens. Since becoming the leader of the Roman Catholic Church in 2013, Pope Francis has been admitted to the hospital multiple times, most recently for bronchitis in March 2023. As the first Latin American and Jesuit Pope, he continues to inspire many around the world with his messages of hope and compassion.
