Pope Francis’ health is continuing to improve, according to the latest update from the Vatican. The Holy See stated that the pontiff’s haemodynamic parameters are stable and that he is able to breathe independently.
On Thursday evening, the Vatican provided an update on the Pope’s condition, noting that he has now been hospitalized for eight days at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic. His condition is reported to be slightly improving, with no fever at this time.
The 88-year-old Pope, still battling pneumonia, is managing to breathe on his own, and his heart is in good condition. “The Holy Father’s clinical condition is slightly improving,” the Holy See’s communiqué said. “He is apyretic and his haemodynamic parameters continue to be stable. This morning he received the eucharist and afterwards went to work.” Blood tests have indicated a “slight improvement” in some inflammation markers, though it will take more time for doctors to assess the effectiveness of the treatments.
Meanwhile, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, urged the faithful to unite “as one family in faith” in prayer for the Pope’s health. “As a spiritual family, we are called to stand together, united in prayer and supplication,” the Cardinal said. “We fervently offer our prayers during Mass, in our homes, and in the silence of our hearts, imploring the Lord to sustain Pope Francis with renewed health and strength, so that he may continue his sacred mission of leading the Church with wisdom, humility, and love.”
Pope Francis had previously shared that, shortly after his election, he wrote a resignation letter in case health issues hindered his ability to fulfill his duties. However, there is no provision in canon law for handling situations where a pope becomes incapacitated.
Archbishop Giuseppe Satriano of Bari expressed sadness over the Pope’s illness but remained confident in his recovery, recalling how Pope Francis defied expectations during a demanding four-nation trip to Asia in September. “Even during the long trip in Asia, the Swiss Guards and gendarmes came back more tired than he, and we all feared he’d come back destroyed,” Satriano remarked. “But he’s a fighter, so I think he’ll win this battle.”
