Vatican Gives Thursday Update on Pope Francis' Condition in Hospital

Pope Francis' health is improving, and his heart remains stable as he battles pneumonia, the Vatican confirmed Thursday.

Despite his hospitalization, cardinals expressed confidence in the church's continuity, insisting that the Catholic Church remains strong even in his absence.

Context

The 88-year-old pope was hospitalized on Feb. 14 after his bronchitis worsened, leading doctors to diagnose pneumonia in both lungs alongside asthmatic bronchitis. He was prescribed "absolute rest" to aid his recovery.

Doctors warn that pneumonia in a fragile, elderly patient like Pope Francis poses a high risk of complications, as clearing fluid from the lungs becomes more difficult with age.

While his heart remains strong, Francis faces several health challenges. He is overweight, not physically active, relies on a wheelchair due to knee issues, and previously had part of a lung removed as a young man. Additionally, Francis has admitted to being a less-than-cooperative patient in the past. Francis previously suffered an acute case of pneumonia in 2023 and remains prone to respiratory infections during the winter months.

What To Know

In a late update, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni reported that Francis has no fever and that his key heart parameters remain stable. Bruni confirmed that Francis was active Thursday, waking up, getting out of bed, having breakfast in an armchair, and working from his hospital room alongside his aides. Blood tests on Wednesday showed slight improvements in his inflammation levels. Bruni said doctors will need more time to determine if the treatments are effective.

Archbishop Giuseppe Satriano of Bari expressed confidence in Francis' resilience, recalling that during his four-nation trip to Asia in 2023, even the Swiss Guards were more exhausted than he was. "He's a fighter, and I believe he'll win this battle," Satriano said.

Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, the archbishop of Marseille, France, lightheartedly commented on Francis' relentless work ethic, saying, "If you really want him to rest, you have to hospitalize him."

Speaking at a Vatican news conference about a Mediterranean youth peace initiative, Aveline and Cardinal Juan José Omella of Barcelona faced repeated questions about Francis' health and the possibility of resignation.

Aveline acknowledged that "everything is possible", while Omella reassured that the church remains strong despite papal transitions.

The possibility of resignation resurfaced when Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi noted that if Francis' ability to engage directly with people was compromised, he might consider stepping down. This follows the precedent set by Pope Benedict XVI, who in 2013 became the first pope in 600 years to resign due to declining health.

What People Are Saying

Ravasi was quoted as telling RTL 102.5 radio: "There is no question that if he (Francis) was in a situation where his ability to have direct contact (with people) as he likes to do ... was compromised, then I think he might decide to resign."

Omella said Thursday: "Popes change, bishops change, priests change, but the train continues moving."

What Happens Next

Francis has previously revealed that, shortly after his election, he wrote a resignation letter in case medical issues prevented him from fulfilling his duties. However, there is no formal provision in canon law for an incapacitated pope, and there are no current signs that Francis is unable to govern.

Update: 2/20/25, 8:04 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.

Update: 2/20/25, 2:43 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.

Update: 2/20/25, 2:19 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.

Update: 2/20/25, 2:04 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.

This is a developing news story and will be updated with additional information.

Reporting by The Associated Press contributed to this story.