Pope Francis, who has been in the hospital for the past seven days battling pneumonia, showed signs of improvement as he was alert and had breakfast seated in an armchair on Thursday morning (February 20, 2025), according to the Vatican.
The 88-year-old pontiff has been receiving treatment at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since February 14, following breathing difficulties he experienced for several days.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni provided a brief update stating that the Pope had a restful sleep and was able to have breakfast while sitting up in an armchair.
His condition was reported as stable with slight improvement in recent blood test results, according to the Vatican’s latest medical statement issued on Wednesday evening.
Pope Francis is currently battling double pneumonia, a severe infection that affects both lungs and hinders normal breathing.
Previously, the Vatican disclosed that the Pope had a polymicrobial infection involving multiple micro-organisms, and he would remain hospitalized until his complex clinical condition is addressed.
A Vatican official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed on Thursday that Pope Francis was not on a ventilator and was able to breathe independently.
The Pope was seen moving around his hospital room, taking phone calls, and attending to paperwork, the official added.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited Pope Francis in the hospital on Wednesday, becoming his first known VIP visitor. Meloni reported that the Pope was “alert and responsive” and even joked about people betting on his demise, as per Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.
This latest health setback adds to a series of health issues the pontiff has faced over the years.
Published – February 20, 2025 03:44 pm IST
