Pope Francis: Slight improvement! Hope for recovery grows

Pope Francis: Slight improvement! Hope for recovery grows

Vatican City, March 9, 2025 (KAP) - Good news from the Vatican: Pope Francis is showing the first signs of slight improvement. According to the Vatican's official announcement, the 88-year-old, who has been being treated at the Gemelli Clinic since February 14 for complicated respiratory diseases and bilateral pneumonia, spent a quiet night and is responding positively to the prescribed therapy. On Saturday evening it was announced that his condition is stable, he remains fever-free and his blood values ​​are normal. However, doctors remain cautious about further predictions and would like to monitor developments in the coming days Kathpress reported.

In the clinic, Francis continues to receive oxygen, partly through a breathing mask and partly through nasal cannulas. A non-invasive ventilator is used to support his breathing. His condition has been stable since his last respiratory crisis. Two bronchoscopies were performed on Monday to treat shortness of breath caused by mucus buildup in the lungs The press reported. On Sunday, the Pope will once again be unable to attend the Angelus prayer in St. Peter's Square, which will be the case for the fourth time in a row. Instead, the text of the prayer is published.

Avoid public appearances

The Roman Curia's Lenten retreat, which begins this Sunday, takes place “in spiritual communion” with the sick Pope. This event will be led by Father Roberto Pasolini, preacher of the Pontifical Household. The pope has been the voice of 1.4 billion believers since his election in March 2013 at the head of the Catholic Church and is now the second oldest pontiff in the church's history. While many believers around the world and in front of the hospital in Rome pray for his health, he remains a strong symbolic figure, even in sickness.