ROME, ITALY – Pope Francis, the 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church, spent a peaceful night at Gemelli Hospital in Rome as he continues his recovery from pneumonia, the Vatican reported on Saturday morning.
How Is the Pope Feeling?
According to the Vatican, the pope’s condition remains stable, but doctors are still closely monitoring him. The pontiff has had several respiratory crises since being admitted on February 14, but in recent days, his health has not worsened.
While his clinical condition is still complex, his doctors remain cautious about making any predictions. On Friday, the Vatican stated that his prognosis remains guarded, meaning there’s still some uncertainty about how quickly he will recover.
The Pope’s First Public Message from the Hospital
On Thursday, Pope Francis sent a heartfelt audio message to those praying for him, marking the first time the world heard his voice since he was hospitalized.
“I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health. I accompany you from here,” the pope said, his voice weak and breathless, pausing every few words to catch his breath.
How Is the Pope Spending His Time?
Despite his condition, Pope Francis is staying active when possible:
✅ He did some light work on Friday.
✅ He participated in physiotherapy to help his breathing.
✅ He spent time in prayer for about 20 minutes in the chapel inside his hospital suite.
✅ He continues to rest as much as possible.
Medical Treatment and Updates
💨 At night, the pope uses an oxygen mask to help him breathe.
💨 During the day, he switches to a high-flow oxygen cannula, a small plastic tube placed in his nose.
To keep the public informed, the Vatican has been publishing daily updates about how the pope slept, followed by a more detailed medical report each evening. However, due to the stability of his condition, there was no medical bulletin on Friday evening—the next update is expected later on Saturday.
Will the Pope Appear for His Sunday Blessing?
For years, Pope Francis has followed the tradition of delivering the Angelus prayer from the hospital’s Gemelli balcony whenever he was admitted. However, he has now missed the last three Sundays, and the Vatican has not yet confirmed if he will make an appearance this weekend.
A Long and Serious Hospital Stay
Pope Francis has faced multiple health challenges in recent years:
🔹 Colon surgery in 2021
🔹 Hernia surgery in 2023
🔹 Ongoing mobility issues due to knee pain
However, this hospitalization for pneumonia has been his longest and most serious since becoming pope in 2013.
The world continues to pray for his full recovery as he rests and receives treatment at Gemelli Hospital. 🙏💙
