Feb 24, 2025,06:09pm EST
Pope Francis’ Health Improves Slightly As He Resumes Work, But Critical Condition Remains
Topline
Pope Francis’ condition has shown slight improvement, according to a statement from the Holy See Press Office. The Catholic Church leader, who was hospitalized for pneumonia last week, has resumed some of his papal duties while continuing oxygen therapy.
Key Facts
- The Holy See Press Office confirmed on Monday that despite the severity of his condition, Pope Francis has shown some improvement, with no respiratory distress episodes recorded on Sunday.
- Laboratory tests indicate mild progress, although the Pope’s oxygen flow and levels remain slightly reduced.
- Doctors have maintained their cautious prognosis, even as Pope Francis spoke with the parish priest of Gaza and resumed his religious and administrative duties.
- Concerns over mild kidney failure reported over the weekend have not escalated, according to Vatican officials.
- The Pope underwent blood transfusions over the weekend as part of his ongoing medical treatment.
Big Number
Days – That’s how long Pope Francis has been hospitalized since first being admitted for bronchitis on February 14. The Vatican reported that his tenth night in the hospital “went well” as he continues receiving treatment.
Key Background
- Pope Francis, 88, was hospitalized on February 14 for bronchitis and initially appeared to be in stable condition.
- However, he later developed a severe polymicrobial infection, which extended his hospital stay.
- Doctors diagnosed pneumonia in both lungs, along with bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
- Sepsis, a potentially fatal blood infection that can trigger low blood pressure and organ dysfunction, remains a major concern for the Pontiff’s medical team.
- Pope Francis has faced multiple health challenges in recent years, including a 2021 hospitalization for intestinal complications and 2023 treatment for bronchitis.
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