Pope Francis is currently in his fifth week of hospital treatment for double pneumonia, but he is showing signs of recovery. At 88 years old, the pope remains in stable condition, according to the Vatican. They reported that he is making progress after some challenging weeks.
The pope was admitted to Gemelli University Hospital in Rome on February 14. Recently, he has been able to reduce his use of mechanical ventilation at night, which is a positive step for his breathing. Doctors have stated that while he is no longer in critical condition, his health remains complicated due to his age, limited mobility, and a previous lung issue from his youth.
The first three weeks of his hospital stay were tough, with respiratory crises and mild kidney failure. Despite these challenges, Pope Francis has continued to work. He recently approved a plan for a three-year reform project aimed at making the Catholic Church more welcoming and responsive. The Vatican’s Synod of Bishops has released a timetable for these reforms, which will extend through 2028.
This week, the pope took part in Lenten spiritual exercises from his hospital room, suggesting he is managing a lighter workload. As he marked the 12th anniversary of his papacy, he received a cake and many well-wishes. The only public appearance was a recorded audio message in which he thanked people for their prayers, played in St. Peter’s Square during a nightly rosary.
For the past four Sundays, instead of delivering his traditional blessing from the window overlooking St. Peter’s Square, a written message has been shared with the public. This adjustment reflects the pope’s ongoing health situation but also his commitment to staying connected with the faithful during this time.