Pope’s Condition Stable but Remains Complex

ROME, 2 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Pope Francis remains in a “stable” condition in hospital, although his overall health remains complex, the Vatican announced on Sunday. The 88-year-old pontiff, however, issued a heartfelt message, thanking well-wishers for their prayers and support.

The leader of the Catholic Church was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on 14 February with bronchitis, which later progressed into pneumonia affecting both lungs.

Despite showing some improvement earlier in the week, Pope Francis suffered a breathing crisis on Friday, causing widespread concern. However, he has since experienced a calmer weekend.

“The clinical condition of the Holy Father remained stable today,” the Vatican stated in its regular medical bulletin on Sunday evening.

It further clarified that he had not required non-invasive mechanical ventilation, instead receiving only high-flow oxygen therapy. The Vatican also confirmed that he remained fever-free and was able to participate in mass on Sunday morning, spending the rest of the day alternating between rest and prayer.

A Vatican source indicated that 48 hours after the breathing crisis, there had been “no further consequences.” However, the official statement cautioned that “in view of the complexity of the clinical picture, the prognosis remains reserved.”

‘Supported by God’s People’

For the third consecutive Sunday, Pope Francis was unable to deliver his traditional Angelus prayer from St Peter’s Square. Instead, a written message was released by the Vatican.

“I would like to thank you for the prayers, which rise up to the Lord from the hearts of so many faithful from different parts of the world,” he wrote.

“I feel all your affection and closeness and, at this particular time, I feel as if I am ‘carried’ and supported by all God’s people. Thank you all.”

The pope concluded his message with a call for peace, as he often does during his Angelus address.

“From here, war appears even more absurd. Let us pray for tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and Kivu,” he wrote.

At St Peter’s Square, where crowds usually gather for the weekly Angelus, many expressed concern over his absence.

“The first thought when you enter the square is to look up at the window where he usually appears,” said Lorena Compare, a 49-year-old accountant. “Let’s hope.”

Health Concerns

Pope Francis, born Jorge Bergoglio, has faced a series of health challenges in recent years. In 2021, he underwent colon surgery, followed by a hernia operation in 2023. Chronic pain has also forced him to rely on a wheelchair for mobility.

However, his current hospital stay—now lasting 17 days—is the longest and most serious of his papacy, raising concerns about his ability to continue leading the Church.

Last weekend, Vatican officials revealed that the pope’s condition had been “critical” after a severe respiratory attack, requiring blood transfusions. While he initially showed signs of improvement, he suffered a sudden deterioration on Friday due to a bronchospasm episode, which led to vomiting and further respiratory distress.

By Saturday, the Vatican reported that his condition had stabilised, with no further incidents. His blood circulation parameters were normal, and there was no indication of infection, as his white blood cell count remained within a healthy range.

A World Watches and Prays

Catholics and supporters from around the world have been offering prayers for the pontiff’s recovery. Many pilgrims have gathered outside the Gemelli hospital, leaving handwritten notes, children’s drawings, and balloons bearing his image.

Despite his hospitalisation, Pope Francis has continued to fulfil some of his papal duties from the hospital’s 10th-floor papal suite, though speculation has grown regarding his ability to lead the Church in the long term.

The pontiff has previously stated that he would consider stepping down if his health deteriorated significantly, following the precedent set by his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned in 2013. However, before his recent hospitalisation, Francis maintained that resignation was not yet under consideration—and may never be.

His demanding schedule remains a concern, particularly with the Catholic Church set to celebrate a Jubilee holy year, an event expected to attract tens of millions of pilgrims to Rome and the Vatican.

Medical experts caution that, given his age and recent health challenges, a full recovery will require time and careful management. Nonetheless, the faithful remain hopeful for his return to St Peter’s Square.