Pope Francis spent a peaceful eleventh night at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, with Vatican officials confirming on Tuesday morning that the Holy Father “rested well throughout the night.” As the faithful around the world continue to pray for his recovery, the latest updates indicate some improvement in his condition.
On Monday evening, the Vatican press office announced a “slight improvement” in the Pope’s health while still classifying it as a “critical health condition,” according to Vatican reports. Though concerns remain, this progress is a hopeful sign for Catholics who have been closely following his hospitalization.
In a powerful display of faith and unity, hundreds of Catholics gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Monday evening for the first scheduled prayer service dedicated to Pope Francis’ health and recovery. The outpouring of support from around the world highlights the deep love and concern for the Holy Father during this difficult time. The 9 p.m. rosary will be a fixed appointment, with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, scheduled to lead the prayer on Feb. 25.
Medical sources within the Vatican have reported that Pope Francis has not experienced further episodes of respiratory distress since his asthmatic episode on Saturday. Additionally, while oxygen therapy remains necessary, officials have confirmed that its intensity has been “slightly reduced.” These updates suggest that his condition, while still serious, is being effectively managed by his medical team. A medical bulletin released late Feb. 24 confirmed the slight improvement, noting that the Pope had not experienced another “asthmatic respiratory crisis.”
The Pope was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14 and continues to receive close medical supervision. Despite his hospitalization, he has remained active in his papal duties. The Vatican reported that he met with top officials of the Vatican Secretariat of State and signed several decrees related to sainthood causes. On Feb. 24, he met at the hospital with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, and Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, substitute secretary of state, to conduct official business.
Hours after visiting the Pope in the hospital, Cardinal Parolin led the recitation of the rosary in St. Peter’s Square, praying for the Pope’s health. Some two dozen cardinals, along with officials of the Roman Curia and hundreds of Catholics from Rome and beyond, joined in the nighttime prayer. Meanwhile, health professionals, patients, family members, and board members of the foundation overseeing Rome’s Gemelli Hospital attended Mass in the hospital’s St. John Paul II Chapel on Feb. 24 to pray for Pope Francis.
As the faithful continue to pray for his strength and healing, Pope Francis remains in the thoughts of millions worldwide. The Vatican has not yet provided details on a possible discharge date, but his reported improvement offers hope that the Holy Father is on the path to recovery.
