Pope Francis Shows Slight Improvement but Remains in Critical Condition
VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis, suffering from double pneumonia, remains in critical condition but has shown minor signs of recovery, the Vatican announced on Monday.
The 88-year-old pontiff has now spent 11 nights in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, marking his longest hospitalization since assuming the papacy nearly 12 years ago.
“The Holy Father’s health remains critical, though there are slight improvements,” the Vatican statement confirmed.
While still dependent on oxygen, the report noted that the flow and oxygen levels had been slightly reduced. It also reassured that his previously reported mild kidney insufficiency was not a major concern.
A Vatican insider, speaking anonymously, shared that Pope Francis is eating normally and able to move around his hospital room.
Monday’s update further revealed that the pope resumed some of his work in the afternoon and, later in the evening, made a phone call to a Catholic parish in Gaza—a continuation of his outreach amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Health Concerns Persist
On Sunday, the Vatican had described the pope’s health as critical for a second consecutive day. The previous day, reports indicated that he had required a blood transfusion following a prolonged respiratory crisis resembling asthma symptoms.
However, Monday’s statement clarified that he had not suffered additional respiratory crises and that some of his test results showed improvement.
Double pneumonia is a serious lung infection that causes inflammation and scarring, making breathing difficult. Vatican officials have described the pope’s condition as “complex,” attributing it to multiple microorganisms.
Francis’ health has been a recurring concern in recent years. His vulnerability to lung infections stems from a childhood battle with pleurisy, which led to the partial removal of one lung.
Speculation Among Cardinals
The pope’s prolonged hospitalization has sparked notable public speculation among senior church figures.
New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan, basing his comments on official updates, suggested in a Sunday homily that Pope Francis might be nearing the end of his life.
Meanwhile, German Cardinal Gerhard Müller, a former Vatican official who has previously clashed with Francis on doctrinal issues, criticized those engaging in discussions about a potential successor.
Speaking to Italy’s Corriere della Sera, Müller stated that cardinals were not receiving additional information beyond what had been publicly shared.
“The pope is still with us. This is a time for prayer,” he emphasized. “Speculating about the future while he remains in the hospital does no good.”
Prayers for the Pope
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, led a prayer service in St. Peter’s Square on Monday evening, joined by pilgrims and senior clergy. The Vatican announced that the service would continue daily.
Parolin’s prayer called upon the Virgin Mary to “strengthen Pope Francis in his time of illness and help him regain his health soon.”
Outside Gemelli Hospital, small groups of well-wishers gathered near a statue of the late Pope John Paul II, who was also frequently treated at the facility during his tenure.
Maria Vozlv, a longtime Ukrainian resident of Rome, expressed deep concern, noting that many in her home country were praying for Francis, given his consistent calls for peace in Ukraine.
“We Ukrainians are praying for him,” she said. “He needs to recover and return home.”
