Pope Francis, 88, “remained stable compared to the previous days” and had no “episodes of respiratory failure” on Thursday, his day 21 at the hospital, according to the Vatican.
The Pope “continued with respiratory and motor physiotherapy with benefit,” said the Vatican press office, the Holy See. “Hemodynamic parameters and blood tests remained stable. He did not present fever.”
“Doctors still maintain the forecast as reserved,” said the Vatican.
The Vatican said that “in view of the stability of the clinical image”, it will not provide another medical update about the Pope until Saturday.
The candles and the flowers for Pope Francis are placed in front of the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, in Rome, Thursday, March 6, 2025, where the Pontiff is hospitalized since February 14.
Andrew Medichini/AP
Francis on Thursday “he dedicated himself to some work activities in the morning and afternoon, alternating rest and prayer,” said the Vatican, and received the Eucharist before lunch.
The Pope “remained stationary” Wednesday “without showing any episode of respiratory failure,” and rested peacefully during the night until Thursday, said the Vatican.
The Pontiff had needed a medical intervention amid two episodes of “acute respiratory failure” on Monday, sources told Vatican to ABC News.
Pope Francis spent his twenty day at the hospital on Wednesday in an armchair, participated in the “ritual blessing of the holy ashes that the celebrant imposed him” and received the Eucharist, said the Vatican.
“During the morning he also called Father Gabriel Romanelli, pastor of the Sagrada Familia in Gaza. In the afternoon, he alternated with the work,” said the Vatican.
Francis, who directed the Catholic Church since 2013, entered the Gemelli Hospital in Rome on February 14 and was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia.
