Pope Francis, hospitalized since February 14, 2025, with double pneumonia, remained stable on Thursday, March 6, with no fresh respiratory setbacks, the Vatican announced.
The 88-year-old pontiff’s Pope Francis health update marks a hopeful turn after nearly three weeks at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, though his prognosis stays “guarded.” Doctors plan no bulletins until Saturday, citing a steady clinical picture.
The Vatican’s latest report skips daily updates, a nod to stability after Monday’s “acute respiratory insufficiency” episodes. Francis, fever-free with normal blood tests, now uses nighttime ventilation via a mask, down from constant support, and daytime oxygen through a nasal hose. Between treatments and rest, he’s tackled work, approving two bishop appointments on Thursday, and started physical therapy Wednesday to aid mobility, despite relying on a wheelchair for knee and back woes.
Pope Francis' clinical condition remained stable today, and he did not experience any episodes of respiratory insufficiency, according to the Holy See Press Office on Thursday evening.https://t.co/fa4Jz95mWS pic.twitter.com/MYsho2J5UM
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) March 6, 2025This stint is his longest absence from public view in 12 years as pope, following a history of lung issues, including a partial lung removal in youth and recent infections. Double pneumonia, inflaming both lungs, has tested the workhorse pope, known for pushing his limits. Yet, the Vatican’s tone brightens, hinting at recovery strides even as risks linger. His doctors remain mum on a discharge timeline.
Read: Vatican Slows as Pope Francis’ Absence Sparks Uncertainty
The Pope Francis health saga grips the faithful, stable but fragile, he powers on from a hospital bed.
