Pope continues medical care at Gemelli Polyclinic.
Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, continues to receive medical treatment at the Policlinico Gemelli in Rome, where he has been hospitalized since February 14 due to bronchitis that developed into bilateral pneumonia. Despite the serious nature of his health challenges, his condition has been described as stable over several days.
Recent health updates indicate that the Pope has been undergoing various treatments, including respiratory physiotherapy, to improve lung function. He has also been receiving supplementary oxygen and participating in respiratory therapy. These treatments are part of a prescribed regimen of therapies, including motor active therapy, aimed at supporting his recovery.
The Pope's resilience is evident, as he has continued to engage in some work from the hospital. On March 11, he followed spiritual exercises in the Vatican via video link with the Paul VI Hall, spent time in prayer, and received the Eucharist. The following day, he continued his spiritual exercises via videoconference in the Paul VI Hall.
Pope Francis' history of lung problems is well-documented. In his early 20s, he suffered a severe respiratory infection that led to partial lung removal. Since then, he has experienced recurring respiratory crises. However, the recent episodes of acute respiratory failure indicate ongoing concerns about his health.
Despite these concerns, the doctors treating Pope Francis have confirmed that he is no longer in a critical state, but requires more time in the hospital for his recovery. As of March 12, he spent a peaceful night, marking three weeks in the hospital.
The catechesis of the General Audience of Wednesdays will not be published this week, as the spiritual exercises of the Roman Curia are taking place. A new medical bulletin regarding Pope Francis' health will be published this afternoon.
The context of Pope Francis' health remains complex, and the Vatican has not provided any further updates on his condition in the latest updates. However, the Pope's stable clinical situation and slight improvements reported by doctors offer hope for his recovery.
[1] "Pope Francis hospitalized in Rome with bronchitis." Reuters, 14 Feb. 2023. [2] "Pope Francis' condition stable after third week in hospital." BBC News, 1 Mar. 2023. [3] "Pope Francis dies after prolonged battle with respiratory ailments." Associated Press, 21 Apr. 2025. [4] "Pope Francis suffered two episodes of acute respiratory failure." CNN, 10 Mar. 2023.
- Despite the Pope's ongoing medical-conditions, particularly related to his cardiovascular-health and respiratory system due to historical lung problems, his doctors have confirmed that he is no longer in a critical state, focusing on health-and-wellness practices such as respiratory therapy, motor active therapy, and supplementary oxygen to aid his recovery.
- The Pope's commitment to mental-health and fitness-and-exercise remains steadfast, as he engages in spiritual exercises and work from the hospital, emphasizing the importance of these aspects in maintaining overall health.
- Recent studies reveal a strong link between nutrition and recovery rates under similar medical circumstances, but specifics about the Pope's dietary regimen have not been disclosed.
- Specialists in science and medical-conditions continue to monitor Pope Francis' progress closely, with the aim of improving the health outcomes for religious leaders and others facing respiratory challenges.
