Pope Francis is making progress in his recovery from double pneumonia, though doctors remain cautious about his condition, the Vatican reported on Thursday.
The 88-year-old pontiff has transitioned from relying solely on a nasal tube for supplemental oxygen to alternating it with a more comfortable mask. Despite the improvement, his medical team maintains a “guarded prognosis,” indicating ongoing concerns about his health.
Francis spent the morning undergoing respiratory therapy before praying in the chapel of his private suite at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. He also received the Eucharist and continued attending to Vatican duties.
Admitted on February 14 for bronchitis that developed into double pneumonia, this hospitalization marks his longest since assuming the papacy in 2013. Given his history of lung infections—having had part of a lung removed in his youth—his condition requires close monitoring.
His illness raises uncertainty about his ability to participate in upcoming Lenten observances, including Ash Wednesday on March 5 and Holy Week leading up to Easter.
Meanwhile, Catholics worldwide have been offering prayers for his recovery. In Rome, some pilgrims, including Lili Iparea Fernandez from Mexico, have gathered outside the hospital in support. “We believe he will recover because he is strong,” Fernandez said, encouraging others to remain hopeful.
Prayer vigils have also been held in Vatican City, Argentina, and beyond as the faithful rally behind the pope in his time of need.
