Vatican Says Pope Francis No Longer in Mortal Danger as Health Improves
In the latest health update surrounding Pope Francis, doctors said that he is out of mortal danger but will continue to remain in the hospital.
"The improvements recorded in the previous days have been further confirmed, as proven by the blood tests and clinical exams and the good response to pharmacological therapy," the Vatican explained in a statement on Monday, relaying a report by the pope's doctors.
Despite no longer being in mortal danger, the doctors added that it is "necessary" for the pope to remain in the hospital to continue receiving "the pharmacological medical therapy in a hospital environment."
The pope first admitted himself to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Feb. 14 after battling bronchitis for several weeks. He was later diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection, a variety of bacteria, fungi, or viruses that caused pneumonia in both his lungs. At one point, doctors stated that Francis was in critical condition after he suffered several acute respiratory crises and insufficiencies.
The pope also was placed on a non mechanical ventilation system at night to ensure his body receives sufficient oxygen, while he has a high oxygen flow through his nose during the day.
As reported by Religion News Service, Francis has been unable to oversee multiple liturgies and events this year so far, including Lenten celebrations leading up to Easter next month. Nevertheless, he was still able to resume his work and meet with close Vatican collaborators, including Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and the substitute (the Vatican equivalent of chief of staff) Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra.
In a Wednesday morning update, the Vatican stated the pope had a "restful night" and is "continuing his treatment and respiratory and mobility-related physical therapy."
"Pope Francis' clinical situation remains stable with doctors confirming slight improvements within a context that nevertheless remains complex," the Vatican added.
Related Article: Pope Francis Remains in Critical Condition Despite Signs of Overnight Improvement
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Giulio Origlia/Stringer
Originally published March 12, 2025.
