Pope Francis Stable But Prognosis Guarded During Third Week of Hospitalization
The 88-year-old pontiff continues treatment for double pneumonia, resuming limited work and participating in Lent observances from his hospital suite.
- Pope Francis, hospitalized since February 14 for double pneumonia, remains in stable condition but under guarded prognosis due to his complex health history.
- The Vatican reported no new respiratory crises since Monday, though the pope continues to alternate between mechanical ventilation at night and high-flow oxygen during the day.
- On Ash Wednesday, the pope participated in Lent observances from his hospital suite, receiving ashes and making a call to a Gaza parish priest amidst ongoing global prayers for his recovery.
- Doctors are cautiously optimistic but note the pope's ongoing challenges, including past lung surgery and susceptibility to respiratory infections.
- Cardinal Angelo De Donatis led the Ash Wednesday service in Rome on Francis's behalf, delivering a homily prepared by the pope reflecting on human fragility and hope in resurrection.
Fox News 
