Pope Francis is recovering in Rome’s Gemelli hospital after being admitted for pneumonia. The Vatican reports his condition is stable, with slight improvement. Despite his illness, he remains active in his duties. Supporters worldwide pray for his recovery as concerns grow over his long-term health and leadership.
Pope Francis continues to recover in Rome’s Gemelli hospital after being admitted for pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff, who initially had bronchitis, experienced complications that raised concerns about his health. However, the Vatican reassured the public that his condition is stable, with blood tests showing slight improvement.
Despite his illness, Pope Francis remains engaged in his duties, reading documents, signing papers, and meeting with officials. On Wednesday, he received Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for a brief visit. She described him as “alert and responsive” and noted that he had retained his sense of humor.
The Vatican has canceled all of the pope’s scheduled events for the week, including a major audience on Saturday and Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. It remains unclear whether he will deliver the Angelus prayer this Sunday, a tradition he has upheld throughout his tenure.
This hospitalization is the latest in a series of health challenges for the pope, who has faced mobility issues, colon surgery, and ongoing pain in his hip and knee. Having previously undergone lung surgery as a young man, concerns about his respiratory health have heightened.
Supporters worldwide have expressed their well-wishes, with churches in Rome holding special prayers for his recovery. Candles and images of the pope have been placed outside the hospital in a show of solidarity.
While speculation about his ability to continue leading the Catholic Church grows, Pope Francis remains determined to fulfill his role, dismissing resignation as a distant possibility.
