Ailing pope showing 'good response to treatment': Vatican
AFP , Saturday 8 Mar 2025
Pope Francis, in hospital with pneumonia, is responding well to treatment, the Vatican said on Saturday, adding that the 88-year-old's condition had seen "a gradual, slight improvement".
The Gemelli Hospital where Pope Francis is hospitalised, in Rome. AFP
The Argentine pontiff has been in Rome's Gemelli hospital since February 14 and has suffered several respiratory crises since his admission, but for several days now, his condition has been described as "stable".
"The Holy Father's clinical condition in recent days has remained stable and, consequently, testifies to a good response to treatment. There is therefore a gradual, slight improvement", the Vatican said.
The Holy See said in the evening bulletin that Francis does not have a fever and is "stable." However, his doctors want the same positive results "in the coming days" before giving a prognosis.
The pope prayed Saturday morning in the chapel of the special papal suite on the hospital's 10th floor, and in the afternoon, he alternated rest with work.
The pope has suffered a series of health issues in recent years, from colon surgery in 2021 to a hernia operation in 2023, but this is the longest and most serious hospitalisation of his papacy.
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