International

Pope Francis Resting, Breathing Fine After Fifth Night in Hospital

Published

1 month ago

Feb 20, 2025.

Pope Francis is resting and breathing on his own after being diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs.
He is in stable condition, with slight improvement in his inflammation markers.
The pope has been receiving well-wishes and messages of support from the public and close aides.

Pope Francis is resting peacefully at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he spent his fifth night after being admitted with a severe respiratory illness. The 88-year-old pontiff, diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia earlier this week, is receiving treatment for both the pneumonia and a polymicrobial infection that has affected his respiratory system.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that despite the worrying nature of his condition, especially given his age and history of respiratory issues, Vatican officials confirmed that he is breathing on his own, without the need for a respirator.

On Wednesday morning, the Vatican reported that the pope woke up feeling well, ate breakfast, and was able to sit up in an armchair, following strict medical orders to rest. His condition was deemed stable, and blood tests indicated slight improvements, particularly in inflammation markers. There are no signs of heart issues, the Vatican source added.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited the pope on Wednesday afternoon, and the two spoke privately for 20 minutes. In addition, the pope has been in contact with close aides, reviewing documents and taking phone calls, as well as receiving heartfelt messages from well-wishers.

People have gathered outside the hospital to offer support, leaving notes and drawings for the pope, including messages from children in the hospital’s pediatric oncology unit.

Pope Francis had appeared short of breath during some public events earlier this month, which prompted his hospitalization on Friday for what was initially diagnosed as bronchitis.

The pneumonia diagnosis came after a CT scan revealed the extent of the illness in both of his lungs. The Vatican has emphasized that additional drug therapy is being administered.

This is the pope’s fourth hospitalization since becoming the leader of the Catholic Church in 2013. He previously underwent significant abdominal surgeries in 2021 and 2023, and had a brief stay in hospital for pneumonia earlier in 2023. Having undergone lung surgery in his youth in Argentina, Pope Francis remains vulnerable to respiratory conditions.