Hospitalized Pope Stable, Rested Well Overnight, Says Vatican

Photo: AFP

Pope Francis had a good night's rest on his 17th day in the hospital, the Vatican said on Monday. This update came a day after officials confirmed that the 88-year-old pontiff was in a "stable" condition.

The pope, who leads the Catholic Church, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after suffering from bronchitis. His condition later worsened, turning into pneumonia in both lungs.

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On Friday, Pope Francis had trouble breathing, which raised concerns about his health. The Vatican later announced on Saturday that his condition had stabilized, a statement they repeated on Sunday evening.

"The pope rested well all night," the Vatican said in a brief update on Monday morning.

The Holy See also confirmed that the pope had needed non-invasive mechanical ventilation—a special breathing mask—on Friday and Saturday. However, by Sunday, he no longer required the mask, though he was still receiving high-flow oxygen therapy. The Vatican added that he did not have a fever and had even participated in a mass on Sunday morning. The rest of his day was spent alternating between prayer and rest.

A Vatican source stated that since 48 hours had passed since Friday’s breathing crisis, there were no further complications. However, due to the complexity of his medical condition, doctors were still being cautious.

On Sunday, Pope Francis met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, and Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, another senior Vatican official.

The pope is staying in a special suite on the 10th floor of the Gemelli Hospital, a space traditionally reserved for pontiffs. This marks the third Sunday in a row that he has missed his usual Angelus prayer. Instead, the Vatican released a written message from him.

In his statement, Pope Francis thanked people for their prayers and support. "I feel all your affection and closeness, and at this moment, I feel as if I am carried and supported by all of God's people. Thank you all," he wrote.

Despite his health challenges, the pope remains in stable condition, and his doctors continue to monitor him closely.