P
ope Francis, who is currently hospitalized with pneumonia, has shown minor signs of improvement, but it is still too early to discuss his potential return home, a Vatican source stated on Monday.
The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14, following a series of breathing issues, the most recent of which occurred a week ago. Since then, doctors have described his condition as “stable,” and over the weekend, they reported “slight improvements” in what remains a “complex overall situation.”
However, the Vatican source emphasized that it is premature to discuss the pope’s return to the Vatican guest house, Santa Marta.
Pope Francis spent a calm night in his hospital suite on the 10th floor and continues to undergo physical and respiratory therapy. As part of his daily routine, he has been using a cannula for high-flow oxygen after switching from the mask he typically uses at night.
Despite his health challenges, the pope has remained in touch with current events and has been praying for those affected by the deadly floods in his native Argentina. He expressed his solidarity with the people of Bahia Blanca, where 16 lives have been lost due to the floods.
In recent years, the pope has faced various health issues, including colon surgery in 2021 and a hernia operation in 2023, but this hospitalization marks the most serious and extended stay of his papacy. Previously, he has appeared on the Gemelli Hospital balcony for his weekly Angelus prayer. However, on Sunday, for the fourth time, he missed delivering the prayer in person, instead issuing a written message in which he expressed deep gratitude to his medical team for their care.
“I too experience the thoughtfulness of service and the tenderness of care, especially from the doctors and healthcare workers, whom I thank from the bottom of my heart,” he said.
Although Pope Francis has not appeared publicly since being admitted, he released an audio message on Thursday, sounding weak but thanking people for their prayers. For many faithful, hearing from the pope, despite his frail condition, offered hope, though others acknowledged the long road ahead for his recovery.
The Vatican continues to provide daily medical updates on his health, which has seen small improvements, though occasional setbacks. A new medical bulletin is expected later on Monday.
Though the pope remains free of fever, his doctors are waiting for more positive developments before offering a clearer prognosis.
Support for Pope Francis continues to grow, with many Catholics gathering outside the Gemelli Hospital to pray for him, leaving flowers, candles, and cards. On Sunday, a group of 180 people from dioceses near Milan, mostly young individuals, gathered to pray for the pope, despite knowing he would not hear or see them. “We said let’s go to the pope, at the Gemelli, and pray for him. He will not hear us, he will not see us, but it’s a gesture of closeness,” said 32-year-old priest Marco Ferrari.