ROME & LONDON – Pope Francis has now spent 24 days in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he continues to receive therapy while staying informed on world and church matters, the Vatican announced Sunday.
“The night was quiet, the pope is resting,” the Holy See stated in the morning, later confirming that his condition remains stable but complex, with doctors maintaining a cautious prognosis.
Mass, Treatment, and Physiotherapy
On Sunday morning, Pope Francis attended mass in the hospital chapel, and in the evening, he watched the Lenten Spiritual Exercises from the Paul VI Audience Hall in the Vatican. The pontiff also continued his motor and respiratory physiotherapy, with doctors alternating between high-flow ventilation during the day and anti-invasive mechanical ventilation at night.
Visits and Updates from Vatican Officials
The Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and Archbishop Penna Parra visited the pope to provide updates on global and church affairs.
Officials confirmed that the 88-year-old pontiff has responded well to therapy, though doctors remain cautious about his prognosis. Francis was admitted on February 14 and diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia.
Celebrate International Women’s Day with These Must-Have Amazon Finds
Pope’s Message of Gratitude
Earlier on Sunday, Pope Francis released his weekly Angelus address, expressing gratitude to the medical staff caring for him and offering prayers for those suffering worldwide.
“During my prolonged hospitalization here, I too experience the thoughtfulness of service and the tenderness of care, in particular from the doctors and healthcare workers, whom I thank from the bottom of my heart,” the pope said.
