Vatican, 25 February, 2025 / 10:06 am (ACI Africa).
Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Friday, Feb. 14, to undergo testing and treatment for bronchitis, the Vatican said. After a full week in medical care, the Vatican announced Feb. 22 the Holy Father had suffered a respiratory crisis and required a blood transfusion.
Follow here for the latest news on Pope Francis’ health and hospitalization:
Cardinals to Gather for Nightly Rosary As Pope Continues Treatment
The Vatican announces a new prayer initiative for Pope Francis, with cardinals leading a nightly rosary in St. Peter’s Square starting at 9 p.m. Rome time today. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, will preside over tonight’s first gathering.
While his condition remains critical, Vatican sources report on Monday the Holy Father had a “peaceful night” and is “in good spirits” at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
The pope continues to receive supplemental oxygen and is being monitored for mild early-stage kidney insufficiency. Both conditions are currently under control, following Saturday’s concerning episode that required a blood transfusion due to anemia.
For those wanting to join the cardinals and other Catholics in the rosary for the pontiff, the prayer will be broadcast live on all EWTN television channels worldwide and through the network’s digital platforms, including the EWTN app and YouTube channel.
Vatican: Pope Francis has restful night at Gemelli
Pope Francis spends a peaceful night at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the Holy See Press Office tells journalists Monday morning.
”The night went well, the Pope has slept and is resting,” the Vatican says in its latest update on the pontiff’s condition.
Prayers for the pope's recovery continue across Rome, where Cardinal Baldassare Reina celebrated Mass Sunday at the Basilica of St. John Lateran for the Holy Father’s recovery.
Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the cardinal vicar of the Diocese of Rome, celebrates a Mass for Pope Francis on Feb. 23, 2025, at the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome. Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNA
Pope Francis also received dozens of get-well cards and hand-drawn greetings from schoolchildren in Rome on Sunday.
Get-well wishes from schoolchildren to Pope Francis are seen at the Vatican, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. Credit: ACI Stampa
Vatican announces that Pope Francis remains in critical condition after ‘respiratory crisis’
The Holy Father also received a blood transfusion, the Vatican said.
In the afternoon, religious sisters, clergy, and faithful gathered outside Gemelli Hospital in Rome to pray for Pope Francis.
Religious sisters and dozens of faithful gather around the statue of St. John Paul II at Gemelli Hospital in Rome to pray the rosary for Pope Francis on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 22, 2025. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA
As Pope Francis remains hospitalized, Vatican announces substitute for jubilee Mass of deacons
The Vatican is expected to provide another medical update Saturday evening on Pope Francis, who continues to receive treatment at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where physicians have indicated the pope’s condition remains serious.
In a terse statement earlier Saturday, Vatican physicians caring for the 88-year-old pontiff confirmed the news from doctors on Friday that “the pope is not out of danger,” tempering expectations about a quick recovery.
Archbishop Rino Fisichella will celebrate the jubilee Mass for deacons on behalf of Pope Francis, the Vatican confirmed, as the Holy Father remains under medical supervision.
Pope Francis is ‘fragile and not out of danger,’ doctors say
Pope Francis is “not out of danger” due to his age and fragile health, his medical team tells journalists on Friday.
During a Vatican press conference at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, both Dr. Sergio Alfieri, head of Gemelli Hospital’s medical team, and Dr. Luigi Carbone, the pope’s referring doctor at the Vatican, say the 88-year-old Holy Father must remain in the hospital for “enhanced” treatment.
“The hospitalization will be as long as it takes for him to return safely to Santa Marta [his Vatican residence],” Alfieri tells journalists on Friday. “He will stay here at least all next week. He is better, but the situation may change. Here at Gemelli, he is a very good patient.”
Candles with Pope Francis’ image on them stand outside Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Feb. 21, 2025. Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNA
Pilgrims and Catholics in Rome offer prayers for Pope Francis
Local Catholics and jubilee pilgrims in Rome say they are praying for Pope Francis’ recovery as he marks one week in the hospital for treatment for pneumonia and bronchitis.
Pilgrim groups and individuals from around the world continue to travel to Rome for the 2025 Jubilee Year, and though they won’t catch a glimpse of the pontiff, he is close to their hearts.
A group of pilgrims from France pray for Pope Francis as the pontiff remains in the hospital battling pneumonia, Rome, Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. Credit: Hannah Brockhaus/CNA
Pope Francis continues recovery at Gemelli hospital one week after admission for bronchitis
Pope Francis marks a full week at Rome’s Gemelli hospital today, where he spent “a good night” and “got up and had breakfast,” the Vatican says Friday morning.
The pope’s daily routine at the hospital includes breakfast, reading, prayer, and necessary therapy, according to Vatican Press Office Director Matteo Bruni.
Medical staff are carefully evaluating potential side effects of the treatment, given the pontiff’s age — he is 88 years old — and existing health conditions.
The positive progress noted in Friday’s update from the Holy See Press Office follows Thursday’s report of a “quiet night” as the pope continues treatment for bilateral pneumonia that has prompted the cancellation of several weekend jubilee celebrations.
The Vatican confirms it is likely Pope Francis will not recite the Sunday Angelus this weekend, though no final decision has been announced. Officials emphasize that the pope remains alert and able to carry out essential work.
Pontiff's Health Situation "delicate" but Not Cause for Alarm: Personal Friend of Pope Francis
Speaking on Pope Francis’ current health crisis, Jesuit Father Antonio Spadaro, a personal friend of the Holy Father, said in an interview on Wednesday that “the situation is delicate, but I [haven’t] seen any cause for alarm.”
“Francis is an 88-year-old man who has had a serious problem but who is now undergoing treatment. It’s not a simple treatment and will require time,” said Spadaro, 58, who for 12 years was director of the Jesuit magazine La Civiltà Cattolica (Catholic Civilization) and is currently undersecretary of the Vatican Dicastery for Culture and Education. He emphasized that the pontiff has “an extraordinary vital energy.”
“He is not someone who lets go or gives in easily, and that’s a very positive aspect; we have seen this in the past as well,” he said in an interview with the Italian daily Il Corriere della Sera (The Evening Courier).
Vatican: Pope has breakfast in armchair on seventh day at Gemelli
Pope Francis spends “a peaceful night” at Rome‘s Gemelli Hospital and has breakfast while sitting in an armchair on Thursday morning, the Vatican tells journalists on Feb. 20.
The brief bulletin from the Holy See Press Office suggests the pope’s gradual progress as he enters his seventh day of treatment that has prompted the cancellation of several upcoming events including weekend jubilee celebrations.
Pope shows ‘slight improvement’ in hospital, Vatican says
The Vatican on Wednesday afternoon said Pope Francis showed a “slight improvement” as he continues a stay in the hospital.
The Holy See said blood tests showed fewer inflammatory markers as the Holy Father continues to fight off a case of double pneumonia.
The pope first entered the hospital on Friday after struggling with bronchitis for several days.
He was visited by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni earlier on Wednesday; the politician said the pope was “alert and responsive” and that the two “joked as always.”
Francis has continued to ask for prayers while in the hospital.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visits Pope Francis in hospital
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has visited Pope Francis at Gemelli Hospital, where he is receiving treatment for double pneumonia and other respiratory infections.
According to the prime minister’s office, Meloni wished the pope a quick recovery on behalf of the Italian government and the whole country.
The Italian prime minister said she found Francis “alert and responsive,” adding that “we joked as always. He has not lost his legendary sense of humor.”
The Diocese of Rome has called for the city’s parishes and religious communities to hold an hour of silent adoration for Pope Francis’ healing before evening Masses on Feb. 19. “As one big family we ask that the Lord will give our bishop the strength he needs to face this delicate moment,” Cardinal Baldassare Reina said.
A Vatican source said Wednesday morning that Pope Francis does not need supplemental oxygen, that is heart is holding up well, and he is able to occasionally sit in an armchair.
Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin is also expected to visit the pope on Wednesday.
Vatican: Pope spends fifth night at Gemelli as U.S. Vice President Vance calls for prayers
As Pope Francis continues treatment for bilateral pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, the Vatican tells journalists on Wednesday morning he spent “a quiet night” and “woke up and had breakfast.”
The brief Vatican update comes as the pope undergoes additional therapy following Tuesday’s diagnosis of bilateral pneumonia, which has prompted the cancellation of several upcoming events including weekend jubilee celebrations.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic, on Tuesday joined calls for prayers for the Holy Father’s recovery.
Let's all say a prayer for Pope Francis, who appears to have some serious health issues.
— JD Vance (@JDVance) February 18, 2025
Vatican: Pope needs more treatment after onset of double pneumonia
The Vatican on Tuesday said tests earlier in the afternoon showed Pope Francis had developed “bilateral” or double pneumonia, leading doctors to prescribe additional treatment for the Holy Father.
“Laboratory tests, [a] chest X-ray, and the Holy Father’s clinical condition continue to present a complex picture,” a statement from the Holy See Press Office said.
The pope underwent a chest CT scan on Tuesday afternoon, the Vatican said, with the results showing “the onset of bilateral pneumonia, which required additional drug therapy.”
The pope remains “in good spirits,” the Holy See noted.
“This morning he received the Eucharist, and throughout the day he alternated rest with prayer and reading texts. He gives thanks for the closeness he feels at this time and asks, with a grateful heart, that we continue to pray for him,” the statement said.
Pope cancels weekend jubilee audience, Mass amid ongoing hospital stay
The pope continues to postpone public appearances as his respiratory infection persists, with the Vatican announcing Tuesday the cancellation of Saturday’s jubilee audience and the delegation of Sunday’s special Mass.
Archbishop Rino Fisichella, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, will celebrate the Mass for the Jubilee of Deacons scheduled for 9 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23, in St. Peter’s Basilica, the Holy See Press Office tells journalists Feb. 18.
Pope Francis in stable condition, prays and works on fourth day in hospital
Pope Francis remains in stable condition and spent his fourth day in the hospital praying, reading, and doing some work, according to the latest health update released by the Vatican on Monday night.
The 88-year-old pope is without a fever as he continues to receive treatment for a polymicrobial respiratory infection. He received the Eucharist, did some reading, and “dedicated himself to some work activities” on Monday.
“Pope Francis is touched by the numerous messages of affection and closeness that he continues to receive in these hours,” the Vatican statement said. The pope expressed particular gratitude for the well wishes he received from his fellow patients in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and asked for continued prayers.
Vatican: Medical tests reveal a complex respiratory infection that requires ‘appropriate’ hospital stay
The entrance to Rome’s Gemelli University Hospital, where Popes John Paul II and Francis have received medical care. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA
The Holy See Press Office announces that tests conducted in recent days have shown the pope is battling a polymicrobial respiratory infection that requires physicians to modify his treatment plan.
All diagnostic results indicate a complex clinical situation that will require “an appropriate hospital stay” at Rome”s Gemelli hospital, Vatican officials say.
The general audience for Wednesday, Feb. 19, has been canceled.
Pope Francis spends peaceful third night at Gemelli hospital, continues to call Gaza parish
A statue of St. John Paul II holding a crucifix stands outside Rome’s Gemelli University Hospital. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA
Pope Francis has spent a peaceful night at Rome’s Gemelli hospital and continues his recovery today, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni tells journalists at the Holy See Press Office.
“The Holy Father has rested well and had breakfast,” Bruni says, adding that the pope has been reading newspapers this morning. Further medical updates are expected Monday afternoon.
Despite being hospitalized, Pope Francis has continued his regular calls to Gaza’s Holy Family Parish, Italian broadcaster TGCom24 reported on Monday.
The pontiff spoke with parish priest Father Gabriel Romanelli and his deputy, Father Yusuf Asad, on Friday and Saturday.
The pope’s positive progress prompts particular attention as he undergoes additional diagnostic tests today. He has been receiving treatment at Gemelli Hospital since Friday for bronchitis symptoms that have persisted for more than 10 days. All weekend activities were canceled due to his condition.
Pope Francis prepares for third night in hospital, condition remains stable
As he prepares to spend his third night in Gemelli Hospital, the Holy Father remains in stable condition as he continues the therapeutic diagnostic process prescribed by the medical staff.
This morning the pope received the Eucharist and followed Mass on television. He spent the afternoon alternating between reading and resting, according to the Holy See Press Office.
Pope Francis spends restful second night at Gemelli, continues recovery
Left: Banners at Rome’s Gemelli University Hospital. Right: Pope Francis waves from a wheelchair, Feb. 13, 2025. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA
Pope Francis “rested well through the night” and had “no febrile episodes,” as he continues treatment for bronchitis at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni told journalists Sunday morning.
“After a peaceful night, the Holy Father had breakfast and reads several newspapers, as is his habit,” Bruni added. Medical assessments and necessary treatments are continuing.
While doctors have prescribed complete rest, the 88-year-old pontiff prepared a special Angelus message for publication, focusing on art’s power to unite humanity and including prayers for regions torn by conflict.
Vatican: Pope Francis still undergoing treatment, showing improvement
Pope Francis “rested all night” and presented “no febrile episodes,” the Vatican says as the Holy Father continues to recover from bronchitis at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
The pope had been admitted to the hospital on Friday after suffering from bronchitis for several days. He was found to have a respiratory tract infection and a slight fever upon admittance.
Following his overnight stay, the pope's treatment was “slightly modified” after “further microbiological findings,” the Vatican says, adding that Saturday's tests “found improvement in some values.”
“During the morning he received holy Eucharist, then alternated rest with prayer and reading,“ the Vatican says.
“To facilitate the recovery, the medical staff prescribed absolute rest; therefore, on tomorrow, Sunday, Feb. 16, the Holy Father will not lead the Angelus prayer; nevertheless, he intended to send the text for its publication,“ the Holy See Press Office adds.
The pope “has been updated of the many messages of closeness and affection received and expresses his gratitude, while asking for continued prayers for him,“ the Vatican says.
Pope Francis reads newspapers, continues treatment after first night at Gemelli
A view of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital where Pope Francis was delivered Feb. 14, 2025, to receive treatment for bronchitis. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA
Pope Francis spends a “peaceful night” and reads several newspapers Saturday morning following his admission to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for bronchitis, according to the Vatican.
“The Holy Father had a good night’s sleep. This morning he had breakfast and read several newspapers,” Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, tells journalists Feb. 15.
“Medical assessments and necessary treatments are continuing.”
Pope Francis has a respiratory tract infection
The Holy See Press Office releases an update on the pope’s condition: “The first examinations performed show a respiratory tract infection. The clinical condition is fair; he presents mild febrile alteration.”
The pope is serene, his mood is good, and he has read a few newspapers, according to Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office.
Catholic leaders pray for Pope Francis
Catholic leaders across the U.S. and the world unite in prayer Friday for Pope Francis after it was reported the 88-year-old had been hospitalized with bronchitis.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) shares on social media that the bishops “join in prayer for the Holy Father during his hospitalization.”
We join in prayer for the Holy Father during his hospitalization. https://t.co/XJ7z16eRw0 pic.twitter.com/RxZouUn2Vo
— U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (@USCCB) February 14, 2025
The Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word, the community of friars founded in 1987 by Mother Angelica, also offers a prayer for Pope Francis:
Join us in praying for Pope Francis' swift recovery and his intentions.
— EWTN News (@EWTNews) February 14, 2025
The Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word @MFVAFriars, the community of friars founded in 1987 by Mother Angelica, offered this prayer for Pope Francis:
Heavenly Father,
We thank you for the loving… pic.twitter.com/ng2UB3jkqO
Pope Francis’ health: Here’s a timeline of his medical issues in recent years
Pope Francis has spent much of the past decade as pope in relatively good health but has dealt with several painful medical conditions over the last few years.
The respiratory infection is the latest health challenge for the 88-year-old pope, who has been struggling with breathlessness, which has prevented him on several recent occasions from reading the entirety of his speech or homily.
The pope was also treated for a contusion on his right forearm after falling at his residence last month and suffered a facial injury and cold during the Christmas season.
Here is a timeline charting Pope Francis’ recent health concerns.
Vatican says the pontiff’s schedule is cleared until Feb. 17
The Vatican says the pontiff’s schedule was cleared through at least the morning of Feb. 17 while he undergoes “diagnostic tests” and treatment.
The Vatican also says that due to Pope Francis’ hospitalization, his appointments for the following three days were canceled. In particular, he will no longer hold a jubilee audience at the Vatican on Saturday, Feb. 15, or a meeting with artists at the historic Cinecittà film studios south of Rome on Feb. 17.
Pope Francis hospitalized at Gemelli for bronchitis
Pope Francis is admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Friday to undergo testing and treatment for bronchitis, the Vatican said.
The 88-year-old pope was hospitalized in the late morning on Feb. 14 following meetings with a number of people, including the prime minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico.
