Pope Francis continued his gradual recovery from double pneumonia on Thursday, dispelling speculation about an imminent resignation as he signaled his intent to remain at the helm of the Catholic Church—albeit in a weakened state.
The Vatican reported that the 88-year-old pontiff had another restful night at Rome’s Gemelli hospital and was recuperating Thursday morning. Doctors noted slight improvements in his condition, with blood tests showing progress and a chest CT scan indicating that his lung infection was responding to treatment. Additionally, recent concerns over kidney insufficiency appeared to have receded.
What to Know
While his prognosis remains guarded, Francis—who had part of one lung removed in his youth—continues to receive high-flow oxygen and respiratory therapy to aid his recovery. Importantly, the Vatican confirmed he has not suffered any further respiratory crises since Saturday.
AP Photo/Mosa’ab Elshamy
Expressions of support for the pope have poured in from around the world, with nightly rosary prayers held in St. Peter’s Square led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.
As is now popularly known thanks to the Oscar-nominated film “Conclave,” the 91-year-old Re would have a key role in any papal death or conclave, called to preside over the funeral and organize the secret balloting in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope. Francis recently extended Re’s term, keeping him on in the important job rather than naming someone new.
AP Photo/Mosa’ab Elshamy
Francis Authorizes Appointment of Four New Bishops
Despite his hospitalization, the pope has maintained a degree of governance. The Vatican confirmed Wednesday that he had authorized the appointment of four new bishops and approved the establishment of a new fundraising initiative aimed at addressing the Holy See’s ongoing financial difficulties. While these decisions were likely made prior to his hospitalization, their official announcement underscores that Francis remains actively engaged in church affairs.
Additionally, the Vatican recently published a series of papal directives, including reforms granting broader governing powers to a nun leading Vatican City State and the scheduling of a cardinal meeting to finalize upcoming canonization dates. Though routine, such moves have sparked inevitable comparisons to Pope Benedict XVI’s surprise resignation in 2013, which he announced during a seemingly ordinary consistory.
Why It Matters
Francis has been hospitalized since February 14 due to a severe lung infection, exacerbated by his preexisting chronic lung condition. While the Vatican refrained from describing his condition as “critical” in its latest update, officials emphasized that he remains under close medical observation.
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What People Are Saying
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, led Wednesday night’s gathering, urging the faithful to pray for the pope’s swift return to his apostolic mission.
“We are gathered in St. Peter’s Square to pray confidently that God will allow Pope Francis to resume his apostolic service as soon as possible, in the fullness of his physical strength and with that pastoral dynamism that characterizes him,” he said.
AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth
On Wednesday evening, trumpeter Felice Carella and singer Davide Capuano serenaded the pope with a rendition of Schubert’s Ave Maria under his 10th floor window.
“For me this is not a simple song, this is a big prayer for the pope so that he will better,” Capuano said. “These are terrible days and I hope the whole world can pray together with us.”
What Happens Next
Pope Francis will remain under close observation at the hospital as he continues his treatment.
This article contains reporting from The Associated Press.
