Pope’s condition slightly improved in hospital

By CathNews New Zealand

February 28th, 2025

CNS photo/Pablo Esparza

A statue of St John Paul II outside Rome's Gemelli Hospital

Pope Francis’ condition had slightly improved and the mild kidney failure he had previously experienced has receded, the Holy See Press Office said on Wednesday evening Rome time. Source: Vatican News.

An update from the Press Office on February 26 stated that a chest CT scan carried out the previous day in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital showed “a normal progression of the lung inflammation”.

“Blood tests conducted today confirmed the improvement seen yesterday,” the update stated.

Pope Francis continues “high-flow oxygen therapy”. But he had not experienced any further asthma-like respiratory episodes, as happened last weekend.

Despite the slight improvement, the Pope’s prognosis remains “guarded”. The update did not describe the Pope’s condition as “critical”, as it had each day since February 22.

Pope Francis received the Eucharist in the morning of February 26, and “the afternoon was devoted to work activities”, the statement concluded.

The Vatican has cancelled the Jubilee Year audience planned for this Saturday, due to the Pope’s illness.

The Pope has been in hospital since February 14. Twice-daily statements from the Holy See Press Office have kept the faithful informed about the Pope’s health while he is in hospital.

He is currently being treated for double pneumonia.

For several nights, pilgrims have been gathering at St Peter’s Square to pray the Rosary for Pope Francis.

FULL STORY

Pope continues to show slight improvement – Vatican News (Vatican News)

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

Pope’s condition shows ‘further slight improvement’ – OSV News (OSV News)

Pope Francis has restful night – Vatican News (Vatican News)