Pope Francis Shows ‘Slight Improvement’ Amid Critical Health Battle – Vatican
Pope Francis, who remains critically ill with pneumonia affecting both of his lungs, has shown a “slight improvement,” according to a statement from the Vatican on Monday.
However, the Vatican also cautioned that, due to the complexity of his condition, doctors are not yet offering a prognosis.
In an evening bulletin, the Vatican reported that while the 88-year-old pontiff’s condition remained serious, there had been no further incidents of asthmatic respiratory attacks and some laboratory test results had improved.
Notably, the statement also revealed that Pope Francis was able to work in the afternoon after receiving the Eucharist in the morning.
While global concerns about his health grow, the Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis spent a peaceful night and was in good spirits. A Vatican source described him as “not in pain” and noted that he was eating “normally.” Additionally, the Pope made a phone call to a priest in Gaza, demonstrating his ongoing engagement in pastoral duties even from his hospital bed.
On Monday evening, a prayer for the Pope was held in St. Peter’s Square, where a few hundred faithful, alongside cardinals, recited the rosary. The prayer was led by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state.
Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 for respiratory difficulties, and his condition quickly deteriorated, developing into double pneumonia. His medical team continues to administer oxygen, though the flow and percentage of oxygen have been slightly reduced.
The Vatican has been issuing regular updates on the Pope’s health, including the news that his treatment is expected to take time to show effects. On Friday, the medical team announced that Pope Francis would remain in the hospital at least for the rest of the week.
Though the Pope’s condition was initially described as critical due to prolonged asthmatic respiratory crises and low platelet levels, the Vatican clarified that his renal function showed no immediate cause for concern. Yet, sepsis remains a significant worry, as it could prove life-threatening.
Global Support and Reflection
The Pope’s health battle has sparked an outpouring of global prayers and support. Well-wishers have left candles outside the hospital, and leaders from around the world, including US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron, have expressed their hopes for his recovery.
The medical team, led by Professor Sergio Alfieri, has continued to monitor the situation closely. Alfieri acknowledged the real danger posed by sepsis but remains focused on the Pope’s treatment.
Jesuit theologian Antonio Spadaro, who is close to the Pope, spoke to Repubblica about the immense global concern, noting that Pope Francis’ ability to bridge divisions in a fractured world has made him a figure of particular importance at this critical moment.
Speculation Over Resignation
Given Pope Francis’s ongoing health struggles—complicated by a history of lung issues, including the partial removal of one lung—there has been speculation about whether he might follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, who resigned in 2013 due to health concerns.
However, Spadaro and other Vatican figures have repeatedly stated that a resignation is not on the table. Spadaro emphasized that Pope Francis remains vigilant and continues his pastoral duties despite his reduced visibility, and suggested it was not the time to discuss succession.
German Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller echoed this sentiment, urging the faithful to focus on praying for the Pope rather than speculating on the future. While acknowledging the inevitability of death, Müller reminded the faithful of the Pope’s special role, underscoring that “the Pope is alive, and this is a time for prayer.”
As Pope Francis continues his recovery, the world watches with hope for his full return to health, reflecting on the profound spiritual and moral leadership he has provided during his papacy.
