Pope Francis continues his slow and steady recovery from a serious case of double pneumonia, while the Vatican moves forward with its big Holy Year celebrations. The 88-year-old pope, who has had lung problems since his youth, remains in Rome’s Gemelli hospital, now entering his fourth week of treatment. According to the Vatican, his condition has stabilized after some difficult episodes of respiratory distress.
Despite his absence, the Holy Year festivities are still drawing pilgrims from around the world to Rome. This weekend’s event focuses on the Catholic Church’s volunteers, and many attendees have taken the time to gather outside the hospital to pray for Pope Francis. On Sunday, Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny stepped in to lead a special Mass that Francis had originally been scheduled to celebrate.
The pope has been spending his days resting, praying, and doing a bit of work between his physical and respiratory therapy sessions. The Vatican reported that on Friday, he spent 20 minutes in the hospital chapel — a hopeful sign that he’s staying connected to his faith and duties even while recovering. Still, his medical treatment remains intense: he’s using high-flow oxygen during the day and a mechanical ventilation mask at night to help him breathe.
Medical experts not directly involved in his care have expressed concern about the length of his hospital stay and the risk of secondary infections. They’ve noted that while his condition has stabilized, the fact that he hasn’t been released after three weeks indicates that his recovery is more complicated than initially expected. Doctors are hopeful, though, noting that his ability to use a nasal oxygen tube for part of the day is a positive step forward.
The pope’s health troubles began on February 14, when he was hospitalized for what seemed like a bad case of bronchitis. Unfortunately, the infection worsened, developing into double pneumonia and causing serious breathing issues. This has become the longest hospital stay of his 12-year papacy, raising questions about his future and his ability to continue his demanding role.
For now, the Vatican and the faithful remain hopeful. As long as Pope Francis keeps making slow but steady progress without any new setbacks, doctors believe a full recovery is still possible — though it may take time.
