Pope has restful night and has breakfast in armchair

By CathNews New Zealand

February 20th, 2025

Pope Francis had a restful night in hospital and, on the morning of February 20 (Rome time), got out of bed and had breakfast in an armchair. Source: Vatican News.

This was stated in a short note to journalists from the Holy See Press Office on February 20.

An update from that Office the previous day stated that there had been no change in the Pope’s clinical condition as he undergoes treatment for double pneumonia.

Blood tests done on February 19 did show “a slight improvement, particularly in the inflammatory indices”.

After breakfast on Wednesday at the Gemelli Hospital, the Pope read newspapers and did some work with “his closest collaborators”. Before lunch, he received the Eucharist and in the afternoon was visited by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, with whom he spent 20 minutes in private.

A statement from the Prime Minister’s office stated that Meloni wished the Pope a speedy recovery on behalf of the government and the entire nation.

“I am very happy to have found him alert and responsive,” Meloni said, saying, “we joked as always. He has not lost his proverbial sense of humour.”

Francis was admitted to the Gemelli Hospital on Friday, February 14, for treatment of bronchitis, after struggling with the condition for nearly two weeks.

On Monday, he was diagnosed with a polymicrobial respiratory infection, and on Tuesday a chest-scan revealed that he had begun to develop pneumonia in both lungs, resulting in what doctors described as a “complex” clinical situation requiring a shift in treatment.

A Vatican source said on Wednesday morning that Pope Francis does not need supplemental oxygen, that his heart is holding up well, and he is able to occasionally sit in an armchair.

Pope Francis has continued to ask for prayers while in the hospital.

FULL STORY

Lab tests show that pope’s condition is ‘improving’, Vatican says | Crux (By Elise Ann Allen/CruxNow)

Pope in stable condition, blood exams show slight improvement – Vatican News Vatican News

Pope has restful night, has breakfast in armchair – Vatican News Vatican News

Pope Francis’ health latest news: Live updates | Catholic News Agency Catholic News Agency