The Pope’s condition remains critical, but stable. The Vatican’s latest update, released Tuesday evening, said that while toffering a glimmer of hope amidst global concern for the leader of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis remains hospitalised at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he continues to fight double pneumonia, a condition affecting both lungs. The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted on February 14, initially for bronchitis, but his health took a severe turn with the diagnosis of bilateral pneumonia confirmed earlier this week.

According to the Holy See Press Office, Pope Francis experienced no acute respiratory episodes on Tuesday, and his hemodynamic parameters such as blood pressure and heart rate have held steady. A scheduled CT scan was conducted on Tuesday evening to monitor the pneumonia’s progression, though results have not yet been detailed publicly. The Vatican emphasised that his prognosis remains cautious due to the complexity of his condition, which now includes mild kidney insufficiency detected in recent days. Despite this, the Pope is alert, resuming light work activities after receiving the Eucharist on Tuesday morning, and continues to feed himself without artificial nutrition.

The update follows a turbulent week marked by fluctuating reports. On Monday, the Vatican noted slight improvements in some laboratory tests, suggesting a positive response to drug therapies, which include antibiotics and possibly cortisone to manage inflammation. However, the pontiff’s medical team remains vigilant, with doctors previously warning that sepsis, a potentially fatal complication, remains a risk, though no signs have emerged thus far. His history of respiratory vulnerability, stemming from the removal of part of one lung in his youth, adds to the gravity of the situation.

Across the globe, thousands have gathered to pray for Francis, including nightly vigils in St. Peter’s Square led by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s No. 2. The Pope, known for his resilience, has reportedly stayed in good spirits, even joking with medical staff. Dr. Sergio Alfieri, a key member of his care team, shared that Francis quipped, “Hello, Holy Son,” in response to a doctor’s greeting, reflecting his characteristic humor despite his frailty.

This hospital stay, now in its 12th day, is the longest of Francis’s papacy, raising questions about his ability to lead through the 2025 Jubilee, a significant year for the Church. While the Vatican has broken from centuries of silence on papal health to provide twice-daily updates, speculation swirls about whether Francis might consider resignation if his condition worsens. For now, the world watches and waits, with the faithful holding onto hope for his recovery.