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Pope Francis Marks One Month in Hospital with Signs of Gradual Recovery

The 88-year-old pontiff, hospitalized for double pneumonia, is no longer in critical condition but remains under close medical care as his recovery progresses.

Catholic worshippers gather to pray the rosary for Pope Francis' health in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican, Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
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People pray for Pope Francis in front of the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, in Rome, Thursday, March 13, 2025, where he is hospitalized since Friday, Feb. 14. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
A marble statue of late Pope John Paul II is backdropped by the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, where Pope Francis was hospitalized Friday, Feb. 14, after a weeklong bout of bronchitis worsened and is receiving drug therapy for a respiratory tract infection. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

Overview

  • Pope Francis has spent four weeks at Rome's Gemelli Hospital being treated for double pneumonia, his longest and most challenging hospitalization as pontiff.
  • Doctors have lifted the initial guarded prognosis, confirming he is no longer in imminent danger, though his condition remains complex due to age and preexisting health issues.
  • The Vatican reports gradual improvement, with the pope undergoing respiratory therapy, physiotherapy, and continuing spiritual exercises from his hospital suite.
  • The pope marked the 12th anniversary of his papacy in the hospital, receiving a cake and hundreds of messages of support from around the world, including from football players and global leaders.
  • While his health stabilizes, questions arise about his ability to fully resume his duties, with experts suggesting a less physically demanding pontificate moving forward.