MAJOR UPDATE ON POPE’s HEALTH
THE DETAILS …
In a significant health update, doctors at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital have announced that Pope Francis is no longer in imminent danger of death, marking a positive turn in his nearly month-long battle with double pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been hospitalized since February 14, 2025, faced the gravest threat to his 12-year papacy due to a severe respiratory infection that began as bronchitis and progressed into a complex condition affecting both lungs. Despite the improvement, medical experts have decided to extend his hospital stay for several more days to ensure continued treatment and to monitor his recovery closely, given his age and underlying health challenges.
The Vatican has reported that Pope Francis has shown consistent improvement, with stable blood tests and a positive response to pharmacological therapy, leading doctors to lift their previously "guarded" prognosis. However, the pontiff’s recovery remains complex, as he continues to rely on supplemental oxygen during the day and a ventilation mask at night to aid his breathing. His medical history, including the removal of part of one lung in his youth and chronic lung conditions, adds to the caution exercised by his medical team. The update also coincides with significant milestones, including the 67th anniversary of his entry into the Jesuit order and the upcoming 12th anniversary of his election as pope, both of which underscore the timing of this health crisis.
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While Pope Francis’s condition has stabilized, the Vatican emphasizes that he is not yet out of danger, with doctors remaining vigilant about potential complications. The pontiff’s hospitalization has already impacted his participation in key Vatican events, such as the Holy Year proceedings, with cardinals stepping in to fulfill his duties. This development has also cast uncertainty over planned diplomatic engagements, including a historic state visit by King Charles to Italy and the Vatican in April. As the Catholic Church and global observers continue to pray for his recovery, questions linger about the future of his papacy, though the latest medical update offers a glimmer of hope amidst ongoing challenges.