Pope Francis Shows Signs of Improvement Amid Pneumonia Battle
Adopted from: The Associated Press
Posted: Feb 26, 2025 / 06:05 AM PST
Updated: Feb 26, 2025 / 11:38 AM PST
ROME (AP) — Pope Francis has demonstrated further slight improvement as he continues to fight double pneumonia, though doctors cautioned on Wednesday that his condition remains serious.
According to a late update from the Vatican, a chest CT scan performed on Tuesday evening indicated the “normal progression” of the infection under treatment. The 88-year-old pontiff, who underwent surgery to remove part of one lung in his youth, is still relying on high-flow supplemental oxygen. However, he has not experienced additional respiratory crises since Saturday.
Blood tests, which previously revealed low platelet counts and anemia, have shown improvement, and the mild kidney insufficiency detected earlier has subsided, the statement noted.
The Vatican also confirmed for the first time that Francis is undergoing respiratory physiotherapy to help clear fluid from his lungs.
A complex lung infection has kept the pope in critical condition at Rome’s Gemelli hospital since February 14. Francis, who suffers from chronic lung disease, was admitted after a severe bout of bronchitis. Although doctors did not reiterate his critical condition in Wednesday’s update, they emphasized that his prognosis remains guarded, indicating he is not yet out of danger.
Despite his hospitalization, Francis resumed work from his hospital room in the afternoon after receiving the Eucharist in the morning. In a sign that the Vatican’s operations continue, the Holy See announced the appointment of four new bishops and the creation of a new fundraising initiative to address its longstanding financial crisis.
While the bishop appointments and fundraising norms were likely approved prior to his hospitalization, their formal announcement signaled that Francis remains actively involved in governing the Church.
Pilgrims Gather Near Hospital to Support the Pope
Outside the hospital, a steady stream of well-wishers has been leaving candles, balloons, and get-well cards at the statue of St. John Paul II near the entrance of Gemelli hospital. The site has become a makeshift pilgrimage destination, particularly for church groups visiting Rome for the Vatican’s Holy Year.
On Wednesday, Bishop Gerardo Villalonga of Menorca, Spain, led a group of 50 pilgrims to the statue, expressing their desire to be close to the ailing pope.
“When a family member is ill, it’s crucial to surround them with support. The people of God must stand by the pope during this time,” Villalonga said.
In the evening, trumpeter Felice Carella and singer Davide Capuano performed Schubert’s Ave Maria beneath the pope’s hospital window.
“This isn’t just a song; it’s a heartfelt prayer for the pope’s recovery,” Capuano said. “These are difficult days, and I hope the world joins us in praying for him.”
Cardinal Re to Lead Prayer Vigil
Meanwhile, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, has been chosen to lead a prayer vigil in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday night. This decision highlights the role of a key figure in the event of a future conclave. Francis recently extended Re’s term as dean, maintaining him in the influential position despite his advanced age of 91.
As depicted in the Oscar-nominated film Conclave, the dean plays a pivotal role in organizing papal funerals and conclaves. Re previously served as prefect of the Vatican’s congregation for bishops from 2000 to 2010, a role of significant power and influence. Francis appointed him dean in 2020 and reaffirmed his position in January.
In Rome, faithful from Francis’ native Argentina gathered at the Argentine church for a special Mass led by Cardinal Baldassarre Reina, the pope’s vicar for Rome. Reina also celebrated a midday Mass at Gemelli hospital to pray for Francis’ recovery.
Sister Nilda Trejo, an Argentine nun, shared that she has always prayed for the pope, aware of his ongoing health challenges.
“We knew he often struggled with breathing and speaking loudly,” she said. “At Mass, the microphone always had to be adjusted because he had difficulty projecting his voice. But he always spoke from the heart to the people.”
