A recent X-ray exam has confirmed that Pope Francis’ health is showing signs of improvement, despite a clinical condition still deemed complex by the Vatican. Admitted to a hospital in Rome since February 14 to treat bilateral pneumonia, the pontiff remains under intensive care, but the latest medical updates indicate significant progress. The news, released on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, brought relief to millions of faithful worldwide who have been closely following the pope’s health developments. However, the Holy See remains cautious and has not provided a discharge timeline, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring.
At 88 years old, Francis has faced recurring health challenges in recent years, including respiratory issues that have required medical interventions. The bilateral pneumonia, an infection affecting both lungs, prompted his hospitalization nearly a month ago, and he has since been undergoing treatments such as high-flow oxygen therapy and noninvasive mechanical ventilation. The Vatican’s most recent bulletin stated that the pope maintains an adapted routine in the hospital, engaging in spiritual activities and even participating in physiotherapy sessions to aid his recovery.
Stability in the Holy Father’s clinical condition has been reinforced by radiological exams, which revealed a reduction in the signs of pulmonary infection. While the improvement is evident, the medical team stresses that the recovery process requires time and additional care, particularly given his advanced age and medical history.
Pope Francis remains hospitalized with adapted routine
Though still in the hospital, Pope Francis has not entirely paused his activities. The Vatican reports that he has been participating in prayer sessions and even remotely following the Spiritual Exercises of the Curia via a connection with the Paul VI Hall. On Wednesday morning, after receiving the Eucharist, he dedicated time to prayer and motor physiotherapy, a practice aimed at maintaining his mobility during his hospital stay.
In the afternoon, the pontiff continued his spiritual routine, rested, and underwent respiratory physiotherapy sessions, which are critical for strengthening his infection-affected lungs. These efforts highlight Francis’ determination to remain active despite physical limitations, a trait praised as an example of resilience by Church members.
His ability to adapt his duties to the hospital environment reflects his commitment to his responsibilities, albeit in a limited capacity. He has also been using a private chapel within the hospital for moments of reflection, keeping his spiritual leadership alive amid treatment.
Medical advances bring cautious optimism
Progress in Pope Francis’ health has been recorded gradually over recent days. On Monday, March 10, the Vatican announced that the pontiff was no longer in imminent danger, marking a significant milestone after weeks of concern. The chest X-ray performed on Tuesday solidified this positive outlook, showing radiological improvements that align with prior clinical reports.
High-flow oxygen therapy, administered during the day, and noninvasive mechanical ventilation, used at night, remain cornerstones of his treatment. These methods help meet the lungs’ oxygen demands and reduce respiratory strain, enabling the body to fight the infection more effectively. This combination has been key to stabilizing the pope’s condition, which arrived at the hospital in a severe state last month.
Despite the progress, the medical team maintains a prudent stance. Bilateral pneumonia in elderly patients can lead to complications, and Francis’ history—including the removal of part of a lung in his youth due to an infection—adds complexity to the case. As a result, the Vatican emphasizes that full recovery still hinges on continued, uninterrupted progress.
Bilateral pneumonia challenges pontiff’s health
Francis’ hospitalization began on February 14, when he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia after experiencing breathing difficulties. The condition, marked by an infection compromising both lungs, is particularly serious in older individuals, as it can significantly impair respiratory capacity. For the pope, the situation demanded swift action, leading to his transfer to Gemelli Hospital in Rome, a facility known for treating him in the past.
Since then, treatment has involved a range of procedures to ensure proper oxygenation and combat the infection. The condition’s evolution has been tracked through regular Vatican bulletins, shifting from alarming updates to more hopeful ones in recent weeks. The latest X-ray, conducted on Tuesday, marked a turning point by showing that the lungs are responding positively to the interventions.
Additionally, the medical team has prioritized maintaining Francis’ mobility and muscle strength through physiotherapy sessions. These extra measures are vital to prevent secondary complications, such as muscle loss or opportunistic infections, which are common during extended hospital stays.
Timeline of Francis’ hospitalization
The monitoring of Pope Francis’ health has followed a timeline marked by challenges and advancements. Below are the key moments since his admission:
- February 14: Francis is admitted to Gemelli Hospital with a bilateral pneumonia diagnosis.
- Late February: The Vatican reports the condition as serious but stable, with the pope under intensive care.
- March 10: A bulletin states the pontiff is no longer in immediate danger, though caution remains necessary.
- March 11: A chest X-ray confirms radiological improvement, reinforcing clinical progress.
- March 12: The latest update highlights stability and ongoing respiratory treatments.
This timeline reflects the slow yet steady recovery of the Catholic leader, who continues to be closely monitored by a specialized team.
Intensive care proves critical in cases like Francis’
Bilateral pneumonia, as experienced by the pope, requires advanced treatments that have proven effective in many instances. High-flow oxygen therapy, for example, delivers a substantial amount of oxygen directly to the lungs, easing respiratory strain. Meanwhile, noninvasive mechanical ventilation, applied at night, uses a mask to assist breathing without intubation, reducing risks for elderly patients.
These methods, paired with respiratory physiotherapy, are widely employed in hospitals globally to treat severe lung infections. In Francis’ case, this combination has allowed him to maintain a minimal routine of activities, a rarity for patients in similar conditions. His positive response to treatment underscores the value of well-coordinated medical care.
Given his advanced age and prior pulmonary issues, Francis’ case exemplifies how modern medicine can enhance quality of life even in challenging scenarios. The hope is that, with continued treatment, he may soon resume his full duties.
What to expect from the pope’s recovery
While recent exams offer hope, Pope Francis’ full recovery remains uncertain. Bilateral pneumonia can leave lasting effects, such as fatigue or reduced lung capacity, particularly in a patient nearing 90 years old. Thus, the coming days will be pivotal in determining whether he can leave the hospital and return to his Vatican duties.
Currently, he remains hospitalized with no set discharge date, but his clinical stability allows doctors to plan next steps with greater assurance. Physiotherapy, both motor and respiratory, will remain a core component, helping to bolster his physical condition for future challenges.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Church continues its operations under the oversight of Francis’ close aides, ensuring continuity in administrative and spiritual functions. The pope’s improvement is seen as a positive signal not only for the faithful but also for the Church’s global leadership.
Spiritual routine sustains Francis’ strength
Even amid a delicate health situation, Pope Francis has not relinquished his spiritual life. His participation in the Spiritual Exercises and daily prayers demonstrate his ongoing connection to his mission, even from a hospital bed. This dedication has been a focal point in Vatican updates, which highlight the pontiff’s inner resilience.
The private chapel at Gemelli Hospital has become a sanctuary for these moments of reflection, allowing Francis to uphold his faith routine. This spiritual tenacity is complemented by physical effort, with regular physiotherapy sessions aimed at preparing him for a return to normal life.
The blend of medical care and personal resolve has been instrumental in the progress seen so far, offering a model of how determination can influence recovery in severe cases.

A recent X-ray exam has confirmed that Pope Francis’ health is showing signs of improvement, despite a clinical condition still deemed complex by the Vatican. Admitted to a hospital in Rome since February 14 to treat bilateral pneumonia, the pontiff remains under intensive care, but the latest medical updates indicate significant progress. The news, released on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, brought relief to millions of faithful worldwide who have been closely following the pope’s health developments. However, the Holy See remains cautious and has not provided a discharge timeline, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring.
At 88 years old, Francis has faced recurring health challenges in recent years, including respiratory issues that have required medical interventions. The bilateral pneumonia, an infection affecting both lungs, prompted his hospitalization nearly a month ago, and he has since been undergoing treatments such as high-flow oxygen therapy and noninvasive mechanical ventilation. The Vatican’s most recent bulletin stated that the pope maintains an adapted routine in the hospital, engaging in spiritual activities and even participating in physiotherapy sessions to aid his recovery.
Stability in the Holy Father’s clinical condition has been reinforced by radiological exams, which revealed a reduction in the signs of pulmonary infection. While the improvement is evident, the medical team stresses that the recovery process requires time and additional care, particularly given his advanced age and medical history.
Pope Francis remains hospitalized with adapted routine
Though still in the hospital, Pope Francis has not entirely paused his activities. The Vatican reports that he has been participating in prayer sessions and even remotely following the Spiritual Exercises of the Curia via a connection with the Paul VI Hall. On Wednesday morning, after receiving the Eucharist, he dedicated time to prayer and motor physiotherapy, a practice aimed at maintaining his mobility during his hospital stay.
In the afternoon, the pontiff continued his spiritual routine, rested, and underwent respiratory physiotherapy sessions, which are critical for strengthening his infection-affected lungs. These efforts highlight Francis’ determination to remain active despite physical limitations, a trait praised as an example of resilience by Church members.
His ability to adapt his duties to the hospital environment reflects his commitment to his responsibilities, albeit in a limited capacity. He has also been using a private chapel within the hospital for moments of reflection, keeping his spiritual leadership alive amid treatment.
Medical advances bring cautious optimism
Progress in Pope Francis’ health has been recorded gradually over recent days. On Monday, March 10, the Vatican announced that the pontiff was no longer in imminent danger, marking a significant milestone after weeks of concern. The chest X-ray performed on Tuesday solidified this positive outlook, showing radiological improvements that align with prior clinical reports.
High-flow oxygen therapy, administered during the day, and noninvasive mechanical ventilation, used at night, remain cornerstones of his treatment. These methods help meet the lungs’ oxygen demands and reduce respiratory strain, enabling the body to fight the infection more effectively. This combination has been key to stabilizing the pope’s condition, which arrived at the hospital in a severe state last month.
Despite the progress, the medical team maintains a prudent stance. Bilateral pneumonia in elderly patients can lead to complications, and Francis’ history—including the removal of part of a lung in his youth due to an infection—adds complexity to the case. As a result, the Vatican emphasizes that full recovery still hinges on continued, uninterrupted progress.
Bilateral pneumonia challenges pontiff’s health
Francis’ hospitalization began on February 14, when he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia after experiencing breathing difficulties. The condition, marked by an infection compromising both lungs, is particularly serious in older individuals, as it can significantly impair respiratory capacity. For the pope, the situation demanded swift action, leading to his transfer to Gemelli Hospital in Rome, a facility known for treating him in the past.
Since then, treatment has involved a range of procedures to ensure proper oxygenation and combat the infection. The condition’s evolution has been tracked through regular Vatican bulletins, shifting from alarming updates to more hopeful ones in recent weeks. The latest X-ray, conducted on Tuesday, marked a turning point by showing that the lungs are responding positively to the interventions.
Additionally, the medical team has prioritized maintaining Francis’ mobility and muscle strength through physiotherapy sessions. These extra measures are vital to prevent secondary complications, such as muscle loss or opportunistic infections, which are common during extended hospital stays.
Timeline of Francis’ hospitalization
The monitoring of Pope Francis’ health has followed a timeline marked by challenges and advancements. Below are the key moments since his admission:
- February 14: Francis is admitted to Gemelli Hospital with a bilateral pneumonia diagnosis.
- Late February: The Vatican reports the condition as serious but stable, with the pope under intensive care.
- March 10: A bulletin states the pontiff is no longer in immediate danger, though caution remains necessary.
- March 11: A chest X-ray confirms radiological improvement, reinforcing clinical progress.
- March 12: The latest update highlights stability and ongoing respiratory treatments.
This timeline reflects the slow yet steady recovery of the Catholic leader, who continues to be closely monitored by a specialized team.
Intensive care proves critical in cases like Francis’
Bilateral pneumonia, as experienced by the pope, requires advanced treatments that have proven effective in many instances. High-flow oxygen therapy, for example, delivers a substantial amount of oxygen directly to the lungs, easing respiratory strain. Meanwhile, noninvasive mechanical ventilation, applied at night, uses a mask to assist breathing without intubation, reducing risks for elderly patients.
These methods, paired with respiratory physiotherapy, are widely employed in hospitals globally to treat severe lung infections. In Francis’ case, this combination has allowed him to maintain a minimal routine of activities, a rarity for patients in similar conditions. His positive response to treatment underscores the value of well-coordinated medical care.
Given his advanced age and prior pulmonary issues, Francis’ case exemplifies how modern medicine can enhance quality of life even in challenging scenarios. The hope is that, with continued treatment, he may soon resume his full duties.
What to expect from the pope’s recovery
While recent exams offer hope, Pope Francis’ full recovery remains uncertain. Bilateral pneumonia can leave lasting effects, such as fatigue or reduced lung capacity, particularly in a patient nearing 90 years old. Thus, the coming days will be pivotal in determining whether he can leave the hospital and return to his Vatican duties.
Currently, he remains hospitalized with no set discharge date, but his clinical stability allows doctors to plan next steps with greater assurance. Physiotherapy, both motor and respiratory, will remain a core component, helping to bolster his physical condition for future challenges.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Church continues its operations under the oversight of Francis’ close aides, ensuring continuity in administrative and spiritual functions. The pope’s improvement is seen as a positive signal not only for the faithful but also for the Church’s global leadership.
Spiritual routine sustains Francis’ strength
Even amid a delicate health situation, Pope Francis has not relinquished his spiritual life. His participation in the Spiritual Exercises and daily prayers demonstrate his ongoing connection to his mission, even from a hospital bed. This dedication has been a focal point in Vatican updates, which highlight the pontiff’s inner resilience.
The private chapel at Gemelli Hospital has become a sanctuary for these moments of reflection, allowing Francis to uphold his faith routine. This spiritual tenacity is complemented by physical effort, with regular physiotherapy sessions aimed at preparing him for a return to normal life.
The blend of medical care and personal resolve has been instrumental in the progress seen so far, offering a model of how determination can influence recovery in severe cases.
