In a hopeful update from the Vatican, Pope Francis’ health has shown further signs of improvement as he continues his recovery from a serious bout of double pneumonia. The Holy See Press Office confirmed on Wednesday, that the 88-year-old pontiff’s condition has taken a positive turn, with a previously reported kidney issue now fully resolved. The announcement has brought relief to millions of Catholics and well-wishers worldwide who have been praying for the Pope’s recovery during his extended hospital stay.
The latest medical bulletin, released late Wednesday evening, stated, “The Holy Father’s clinical condition over the past 24 hours has shown a further, slight improvement.” Notably, the mild renal insufficiency - first identified over the weekend as an early-stage kidney concern - has “subsided”, alleviating fears of potential kidney failure. A chest CT scan conducted on Tuesday night revealed a “normal evolution” of the lung inflammation caused by pneumonia, while Wednesday’s blood tests confirmed ongoing recovery, with improved laboratory results signaling progress in combating the infection.
Pope Francis, who has been hospitalised at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since February 14, remains on high-flow oxygen therapy and respiratory physiotherapy to treat the complex, multi-microbial infection affecting both lungs. Despite the severity of his condition, which the Vatican has described as critical since Saturday, the Pope has experienced no further respiratory crises since then. “The prognosis remains guarded,” the statement cautioned, reflecting the complexity of his case and his fragile health at age 88, compounded by a history of lung issues stemming from a partial lung removal in his youth.
The pontiff, the first from the Americas and a Jesuit, has faced significant health challenges in recent years, including bouts of bronchitis and surgeries, yet continues to inspire resilience. On Monday, he resumed limited work from his hospital room, including a call to the Holy Family parish in Gaza, a routine he has maintained since October 2023, demonstrating his commitment despite his condition. Earlier this week, he met briefly with Vatican officials, including Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, though no visitors were reported on Wednesday.
The global Catholic community has rallied around Francis during his 13-day hospitalisation, the longest of his nearly 12-year papacy, matching a previous 10-day stay in 2021 for colon surgery. Nightly prayer vigils in St. Peter’s Square, organized by the Diocese of Rome and the Roman Curia, have drawn hundreds since Monday, with Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re leading Wednesday’s rosary. In Rome’s Argentinian community, parishioners at Our Lady of Sorrows Church gathered Tuesday to pray for their native son, with Reverend Mario Aler expressing hope that Francis “can continue to govern the Church” through the 2025 Holy Year.
World leaders and faith figures have also voiced support. Paraguay’s Vatican ambassador, Romina Taboada Tonina, called Francis “a great leader, not only for Catholics but as a political figure,” while the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, offered prayers for his recovery. Across Argentina, from Buenos Aires’ cathedral to its iconic obelisk lit with messages of hope, the faithful have held vigils for the Pope’s return to health.
While Francis remains under close medical supervision, with no discharge date announced, the Vatican’s latest report has shifted the narrative from uncertainty to cautious optimism. As he continues treatment, the world watches and waits, buoyed by signs that the beloved pontiff is regaining strength, one step at a time.