Pope Francis’ health is showing steady improvement, and doctors no longer consider his condition life-threatening, the Vatican announced on Monday, March 10. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been in Rome’s Gemelli hospital since February 14 due to pneumonia, could be discharged in the coming days.
“The clinical conditions of the Holy Father continue to be stable,” the Vatican said in a statement, adding that recent medical tests confirmed his positive response to treatment. “For these reasons, the doctors have decided today to lift their reserved prognosis.”
Despite the progress, the pope remains under hospital care as doctors continue his treatment. A Vatican source emphasized that while the situation has improved, Francis still has pneumonia, making his recovery “complex, even if there is no imminent danger.”
Throughout his hospitalization, the pope has been engaged in physical and respiratory therapy, using high-flow oxygen during the day and an oxygen mask at night. He has also continued working when possible, following global news, including the devastating floods in his native Argentina.
Pilgrims worldwide have been offering prayers for the pontiff’s recovery, with special services held in places like Myanmar and Iraq.
This marks Pope Francis’ longest and most serious hospitalization since the start of his papacy, following previous surgeries in 2021 and 2023. While he has traditionally appeared at the Gemelli hospital balcony for his Sunday Angelus prayers during past hospital stays, he has now missed it for four consecutive weeks. Instead, he has issued written prayers and even recorded an audio message last week, thanking his doctors and supporters.
