Pope Francis Shows Slight Improvement Amid Battle with Double Pneumonia

Pope Francis, now 88, was admitted to the Gemelli hospital in Rome on February 14 after experiencing several days of breathing difficulties due to double pneumonia. According to a Vatican statement, his clinical condition is stable and recent blood tests have indicated modest improvements, particularly in his inflammatory markers.

Medical professionals report that the pope is breathing independently and has even managed to get out of bed to sit in an armchair, continuing to perform light work despite his health challenges. Notably, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited him, remarking on his alertness, responsiveness, and enduring sense of humor in the face of his illness.

The Vatican had initially conveyed that the pope was dealing with a polymicrobial infection, one involving multiple micro-organisms, which has complicated his clinical picture. This condition is particularly concerning given his past health history, including a bout with pleurisy and the loss of part of one lung, factors that make him more vulnerable to lung infections.

Support for the pope’s recovery has been evident both within the Vatican and among visitors, with messages of hope coming from around the world. While his public engagements have been suspended to prioritize his recovery, the hospital remains a focal point of care, with many leaving flowers and notes of best wishes near the statue of John Paul II, reflecting both personal and communal support during this challenging time.