The Holy See Press Office said Saturday morning that Pope Francis "had a restful night" and is responding well to antibiotics after coming down with double pneumonia. Despite his illness, the pope is reportedly maintaining a light workload and staying in communication with close aides.
Newsweek reached out to the Vatican via email for further comment on Saturday morning.
Why It Matters
Francis remains hospitalized as he continues to recover from double pneumonia, the Vatican confirmed on Saturday. The 88-year-old pontiff, who was admitted to the hospital on February 14, is being closely monitored by doctors as he undergoes treatment for the respiratory infection.
As leader of the Roman Catholic Church, with over 1.3 billion followers worldwide, any health issues affecting the pope holds significant global implications for the Church. His condition comes as the Vatican faces important decisions on synod discussions and diplomatic efforts.
The pope has experienced various health complications in recent years, including a hospitalization for bronchitis in 2023 and ongoing mobility issues related to knee pain. His recent diagnosis highlights the fragility of his health and has sparked speculation about his future as the head of the Church.
What To Know
The Vatican said Francis is receiving treatment at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome where he has undergone previous medical care. Officials have assured the public that his condition is stable, though he remains under close medical observation.
According to Vatican News, Francis' medical team has emphasized the importance of rest and continued treatment to ensure his full recovery. The pope's engagements, including a scheduled appearance at the Sunday Angelus, have been canceled or delegated to senior Vatican officials.
In a statement to the Associated Press, the Vatican said, "His Holiness is stable and under constant supervision. There are no complications at this time."
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of the team taking care of the pope, and Dr. Luigi Carbone, the vice-director of the Vatican's health care service, told journalists on Friday afternoon that they expect the pontiff to remain hospitalized at least the entirety of next week, according to Vatican News.
"He is not out of danger," Carbone said, AP reported. "So like all fragile patients I say they are always on the golden scale: In other words, it takes very little to become unbalanced."
What People Are Saying
Pope Francis posted to X, formerly Twitter, on February 16: "Thank you for the affection, prayer and closeness with which you are accompanying me in these days."
When asked about Francis' potential resignation, Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, the archbishop of Marseille, said: "Everything is possible."
Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi told RTL 102.5 radio: "There is no question that if [Francis] was in a situation where his ability to have direct contact [with people] as he likes to do...was compromised, then I think he might decide to resign."
Giovanni Maria Vian, former editor of the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano said: "I think the dictum of 'A pope is fine until he's dead' is always true...It's a very Roman way of speaking that represents, on the one hand, the traditional skepticism of Romans and Italians, but on the other hand, an informational opacity."
What Happens Next
Doctors will continue to monitor Francis closely over the coming days. While the Vatican has not provided an exact timeline for his discharge, medical staff are reportedly optimistic about his recovery.
As the pope remains under care, key decisions and public engagements will be handled by senior Vatican officials. The Vatican is expected to release further updates in the coming days on Francis' condition and any changes to his schedule.
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