03.03.2025 12:10
The Vatican issued an update following the deterioration of 88-year-old Pope Francis's condition in the hospital. It was stated that Francis is currently in stable condition after being hospitalized in Rome on February 14. However, the progression of his illness remains uncertain. It was reported that Francis experienced a respiratory crisis and was diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs.
VATICAN has released an update on the health status of 88-year-old Pope Francis following a sudden deterioration in his condition in the hospital.
According to the Holy See, Francis is currently stable after being hospitalized in Rome on February 14 - but "the prognosis remains uncertain."
The Holy See Press Office only stated: "The Pope rested well throughout the night."
This statement came after the Holy Father experienced a respiratory crisis due to an isolated bronchospasm on Friday.
The Vatican reported that Francis "experienced a sudden deterioration in breathing and respiratory condition with vomiting."
Initially, he was diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs.
The good news that came on Monday morning indicates that positive days are continuing for Francis and that he may be recovering.
On Sunday, the Vatican Secretary of State said that Francis thanked the doctors and well-wishers and also prayed for peace in Ukraine.
In his message, Francis said: "From here, the war seems even more senseless."
He added that he experienced his hospitalization as "a deep solidarity experience with all those who are sick and suffering everywhere."
Francis stated in the text: "I feel the blessing hidden within weakness in my heart, for it is precisely in these moments that we learn to trust the Lord even more."
"At the same time, I thank God for giving me the opportunity to physically and spiritually participate in the situation of many sick and suffering people."
Francis was also able to read Sunday newspapers and had coffee and breakfast while continuing his treatment.
However, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis would not preside over the annual Ash Wednesday ceremony marking the beginning of Lent on March 5.
As thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square to pray for his recovery, visitors at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome - where he is being treated - paused to pray at the statue of Saint John Paul II outside the main entrance.
Francis, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, has a history of lung issues due to losing part of a lung from pleurisy when he was a young man.
Although his condition appears to be stabilized, the prognosis remains uncertain.
While daily staff appointments requiring his approval continue to be announced, the Vatican published a papal letter on Friday to those attending a Church training course in Rome, accompanied by a note indicating it was sent "from Gemelli hospital" and signed by Francis.
Cardinal Michael Czerny, head of the Vatican's development office, told Italy's La Stampa newspaper that Francis is recovering but that it is happening "slower than we would like."
The Vatican also firmly denied speculation about a possible resignation, stating that Francis is considering stepping down.
The Pope's illness has led to a significant wave of support from the faithful.