Pope Francis, who has been battling double pneumonia for nearly three weeks, is in stable condition, the Vatican reported on Wednesday. The 88-year-old pope, admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 for a severe respiratory infection, has not experienced any new breathing crises.
The Vatican shared a relatively positive health update, stating that the pope has been able to carry out some work and spent much of the day in an armchair. However, his doctors reiterated that his prognosis remains “guarded,” meaning he is not yet out of danger.
Pope Francis continues to receive non-invasive mechanical ventilation at night after it was removed during the day, reflecting the ongoing challenges posed by his illness. On days when he is not using mechanical ventilation, he receives a high-flow of oxygen through a small nasal hose.
After experiencing two episodes of “acute respiratory insufficiency” on Monday, the pope has not had any subsequent incidents. For the first time since February 24, he also made a call to a Catholic parish in Gaza, a regular gesture during the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Though Pope Francis has not appeared in public since entering the hospital, rumors have circulated about a potential resignation. However, friends and biographers of the pontiff described him as a “fighter” with no plans to resign.
