Pope in Stable Condition as Blood Tests Show Slight Improvement

20 February 2025

VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis remains in stable condition as he continues to battle pneumonia, the Vatican reported on Wednesday.

"The Holy Father's clinical condition is stationary," the Vatican stated in an evening update regarding the 88-year-old pontiff.

"The blood tests, evaluated by the medical staff, show a slight improvement, particularly in the inflammatory indices."

On Tuesday, Vatican officials confirmed that the pope was diagnosed with pneumonia affecting both lungs while hospitalized in Rome, describing the situation as "complex."

Francis initially experienced bronchitis symptoms last week, leading him to delegate speeches to Vatican officials before being admitted to the hospital on Friday.

"Nevertheless, Pope Francis remains in good spirits," the Vatican reassured on Tuesday.

The pope has an increased risk of lung infections due to a history of pleurisy, which resulted in the partial removal of one lung when he was 21.

Over the years, he has been hospitalised multiple times for bronchitis and underwent abdominal surgery in 2023. Earlier that year, he also received treatment for pneumonia.

On Monday, medical staff classified his condition as stable while treating him for a polymicrobial respiratory infection.

The Vatican previously stated that doctors had prescribed "absolute bed rest" as he undergoes treatment in Rome.

Despite his hospitalisation, the pontiff followed Sunday’s Holy Mass from St. Peter’s Basilica via television. – source Vatican News