Pope Francis overcomes imminent danger and continues recovery in hospital

Since February 14, Pope Francis, aged 88, has been hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, battling bilateral pneumonia that has kept the world’s attention on his condition for nearly a month. On the evening of March 10, the medical team caring for the pontiff delivered encouraging news: he is no longer in imminent danger of death. The update, released by the Vatican, brought relief after weeks of intensive treatment for the respiratory infection affecting both lungs. Despite this progress, doctors opted to keep Francis in the hospital for a few more days to solidify the gains made through medication, given the complexity of his case and his advanced age. His clinical stability, confirmed by blood tests and positive responses to treatments, marks a turning point in his recovery journey.

The hospitalization began when the pope showed signs of a respiratory infection, initially diagnosed as bronchitis. Subsequent tests revealed a more severe scenario, with a CT scan confirming pneumonia in both lungs—a condition known as bilateral pneumonia. The situation demanded frequent adjustments to his therapy, including corticosteroids and antibiotics, to address a polymicrobial infection. Even amid acute respiratory crises in recent weeks, Francis remained conscious and cooperative, receiving oxygen through nasal cannulas and non-invasive mechanical ventilation at night as needed.

The pope’s positive development was met with joy by faithful Catholics, who have held prayer vigils at places like St. Peter’s Square and outside the hospital since his admission. This hopeful update arrives at a significant time for the Church, during the Holy Year of 2025, though Francis has had to cancel key events such as the Angelus blessing and jubilee celebrations, delegating duties to other Vatican leaders.

Clinical stability signals progress in treatment

After weeks of uncertainty, Pope Francis has shown a steady, albeit gradual, improvement that doctors describe as “slight but progressive.” On March 10, the Holy See reported that laboratory tests indicated a drop in inflammatory markers, suggesting the infection is under control. The absence of fever in recent weeks and stable hemodynamic parameters, such as blood pressure and heart rate, bolster the medical team’s optimism. However, caution remains, and the decision to extend his hospital stay reflects the need to prevent setbacks in a patient with a history of lung issues.

Francis, who had part of one lung removed in his youth due to a severe infection, faces added challenges from his age and preexisting conditions like diverticulitis and mobility problems. Nevertheless, he has shown remarkable resilience, balancing rest with light activities such as reading and administrative tasks from his room on the hospital’s tenth floor.

Global response tracks pontiff’s recovery

News of Francis’s improvement reverberated quickly among the over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide. In his hometown of Buenos Aires, the local Archdiocese held a special Mass for his health at the outset of his hospitalization, drawing thousands to Plaza de Mayo. In Rome, pilgrims visiting for the Holy Year, who had hoped to see the pope, adjusted to his absence by joining prayers led by cardinals at St. Peter’s Square.

Fighting bilateral pneumonia with determination

The diagnosis of bilateral pneumonia, confirmed on February 18, raised alarm due to its severity, affecting both lungs and complicating blood oxygenation. Initially admitted with suspected bronchitis, Francis underwent detailed tests, including a chest CT scan, which uncovered the full extent of the issue. The condition progressed from a simple respiratory infection to a polymicrobial state, requiring an aggressive medical approach. Early on, the pope faced breathing difficulties that triggered bronchospasm episodes, prompting bronchoscopies to clear mucus from his lungs.

Despite these hurdles, the medical team noted the strength of Francis’s heart and the absence of significant kidney complications after a mild bout of renal insufficiency early in his stay. By February 26, it was reported that the kidney issue had subsided, a milestone that helped lift him out of critical condition. Since then, treatment has shifted to focus on lung recovery, with continued use of reduced-flow oxygen and respiratory physiotherapy to strengthen breathing muscles.

Francis’s prior experience with respiratory ailments, including the surgery that removed part of his right lung, makes his recovery even more noteworthy. Experts note that elderly patients with similar histories are more prone to complications like sepsis, but no signs of this have emerged so far.

Timeline of Pope Francis’s hospitalization

Francis’s time at Gemelli Hospital has been a rollercoaster of challenges and progress. Here are the key moments:

• February 14: Admitted for suspected bronchitis following respiratory difficulties.
• February 18: Bilateral pneumonia diagnosed after a chest CT scan.
• February 21: Doctors state the pope is not in immediate danger but remains at risk.
• March 3: Respiratory crises necessitate non-invasive mechanical ventilation.
• March 10: Announcement that Francis is no longer in imminent danger, with extended hospital stay planned.

These milestones highlight the initial severity of his condition and the ongoing efforts to ensure a full recovery.

Pope Francis’s role amid hospitalization

Even while confined to the hospital, Pope Francis has not fully stepped away from his duties. He continued signing official documents and appointing bishops, with messages issued from the hospital noting his location. On March 5, the start of Lent, he received ashes in a private ceremony at the hospital and maintained phone contact with the priest of Gaza’s only Catholic parish, expressing concern for the region’s humanitarian crisis.

The pope’s hospital routine includes prayer, reading, and light work, interspersed with rest and physical therapy sessions. On March 7, he thanked the faithful for their prayers in an audio message—the first public recording since his admission—delivering a weak but resolute voice.

Key aspects of his recovery journey

Francis’s health progress has revealed details that underscore his resilience and the complexity of his care. Notable elements include:

• Treatment response: Lower inflammatory markers show antibiotics are effective.
• Physiotherapy: Daily sessions prevent muscle atrophy after weeks of bed rest.
• Oxygen use: Reduced flow indicates improving lung capacity.
• Mental acuity: Francis remains alert, oriented, and engaged in his duties.

These factors point to steady advancement, though doctors remain vigilant against potential secondary infections.

A pope who inspires through vulnerability

In nearly 12 years as pontiff, Francis has faced multiple hospitalizations, including abdominal surgery in 2023 and bronchitis treatment earlier that year. His frail health, worsened by recent falls and mobility issues, hasn’t stopped him from leading the Church with a style rooted in simplicity and closeness to the faithful. This current hospitalization, the longest since he became pope in 2013, has tested his endurance but also reinforced his image as a leader who governs through adversity.

The choice to stay in the hospital longer reflects the medical team’s focus on avoiding any setbacks. Meanwhile, the Vatican continues to operate under his guidance, with cardinals like Pietro Parolin stepping in for public engagements. The hope is for Francis to return to the Vatican fully recovered, though without haste, prioritizing his well-being.

What lies ahead in his recovery

Pope Francis’s extended stay at Gemelli Hospital raises questions about his return to normal activities. The medical team plans to ramp up respiratory physiotherapy and closely monitor his lungs to prevent infection recurrence. His absence from Holy Year events, such as the opening of celebrations for volunteers, has been felt, yet his influence persists through messages and decisions issued from the hospital.

Francis’s story of resilience resonates with the faithful, who see his frailty as a testament to determination. As he recovers, the Catholic world awaits his return to St. Peter’s Square, where his presence remains a beacon of hope for millions.