Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized for 17 days due to double pneumonia, remains in stable condition and expressed gratitude to well-wishers for their prayers and support in a written message on Sunday.
The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 with respiratory complications that developed into a severe lung infection, making breathing difficult.
The Vatican announced on Saturday evening that his condition had stabilized following an isolated breathing crisis the previous day.
“I want to thank you for your prayers,” Pope Francis said in a message released in place of his usual Sunday prayer with pilgrims, which he was unable to lead for the third consecutive week.
“I feel your love and support… I feel as though I am being carried by God’s people,” he added.
On Sunday, he met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, and his deputy. However, no details about the meeting were disclosed.
Despite his hospitalization, Pope Francis has continued overseeing Vatican affairs. His last meeting with Parolin and the deputy took place at Gemelli Hospital on February 24.
Earlier in the day, Vatican officials reported that the pope had rested well overnight. A more detailed medical update was expected later in the evening.
A Vatican insider, speaking anonymously, stated that Francis was eating normally, moving within his hospital room, and continuing his treatment.
Encouraging Signs of Recovery
On Friday, Pope Francis experienced a temporary airway constriction similar to an asthma attack. However, by Saturday, his circulation remained stable, and his white blood cell count had not increased, suggesting that his infection was improving.
“The Holy Father’s condition remains stable,” the Vatican said, though it cautioned that the prognosis was still uncertain.
For the second consecutive day, the pope required non-invasive mechanical ventilation, alternating with high-flow oxygen therapy.
Pope Francis has faced multiple health challenges in recent years and is particularly vulnerable to lung infections due to a past battle with pleurisy, which led to the partial removal of one lung in his youth.
Since his hospitalization, he has not appeared in public, marking his longest absence since assuming the papacy in March 2013. His doctors have not yet indicated when he might be discharged.
