On Day 12, Pope Francis’ “clinical condition remains critical” But No Repeat of Acute Respiratory Episodes: Vatican

Vatican City, 26 February, 2025 / 11:35 AM

Pope Francis continues to be in a serious but stable condition as he concludes his 12th day in Rome's Gemelli Hospital, the Vatican said.

In the latest communication on the 88-year-old pope’s health, issued on the evening of Feb. 25, doctors said his “clinical condition remains critical but stationary,” without any acute respiratory episodes.

It added that Francis’ hemodynamic parameters — that is, how his blood flows through the blood vessels — is also stable, and he underwent a follow-up CT scan on Tuesday to monitor his lungs following a pneumonia diagnosis last week.

After receiving the Eucharist in the morning, Pope Francis also “resumed work activities,” the message concluded.

The pontiff was admitted to Gemelli Hospital north of the Vatican in Rome on Feb. 14 after more than a week of illness. The Vatican and doctors have said Francis is suffering from respiratory infections, double pneumonia, and chronic illnesses. 

In a press conference on Feb. 21, Pope Francis’ medical team said he was “not out of danger” due to his age and fragile health, but that the pope “is not a quitter” and they were doing everything possible to have him be able to safely return to his Vatican residence.