Pope Francis, 88, remains under medical supervision at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital following a serious bout of double pneumonia. The Vatican has confirmed that despite experiencing two severe episodes of respiratory failure on Monday, his condition has stabilized. Doctors intervened with bronchoscopies to clear mucus buildup in his airways, and he is now receiving high-flow oxygen therapy.
Although the pontiff has shown improvement—remaining alert, cooperative with treatment, and free of fever—he continues to rely on non-invasive mechanical ventilation at night as a precaution. Due to his health condition, Pope Francis will not preside over the Ash Wednesday Mass, with Cardinal Angelo De Donatis stepping in to lead the service.
Despite his hospitalization, the Pope has maintained his spiritual routine, engaging in prayer and receiving the Eucharist. The Vatican remains cautious, emphasizing that while his condition is stable, he is not entirely out of danger. The Catholic community worldwide continues to offer prayers for his recovery, hoping for his swift return to full health.
