Pope Francis, who has been in the hospital for two weeks due to double pneumonia, remains in stable condition without a recurrence of his recent breathing crisis, the Vatican confirmed on Saturday.
The 88-year-old pontiff continues to receive oxygen but is free of fever, alert, eating, and praying, according to the Vatican’s evening update. His blood circulation remains stable, and there is no indication of leukocytosis, a high white blood cell count that could signal infection.
“The clinical conditions of the Holy Father have remained stable,” the Vatican stated, while cautioning that his prognosis remained “reserved.”
Francis, the spiritual leader of nearly 1.4 billion Catholics, was hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 for bronchitis, which later developed into pneumonia affecting both lungs.
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Last weekend, the Vatican reported that he was in critical condition after experiencing a severe respiratory attack and requiring blood transfusions, sparking global concern. While officials noted slight improvements throughout the week, an alarming development occurred on Friday.
Francis “presented an isolated crisis of bronchospasm which… led to an episode of vomiting with inhalation and a sudden worsening of the respiratory picture,” the Vatican said.
Doctors indicated that the next 24 to 48 hours would be crucial in determining any further complications.
Andrea Ungar, a geriatrics professor at the University of Florence, explained that it appeared vomit had entered the Pope’s lungs, “aggravating the pneumonia.” This situation often necessitates stronger antibiotics, respiratory support, and targeted breathing exercises.
