Pope Francis Remains ‘Critical but Stable’ in Hospital with Pneumonia

Pope Francis, who has been receiving treatment for pneumonia and other health issues for 12 days, remains in a “critical but stable” condition, the Vatican has confirmed.

The 88-year-old pontiff has not experienced any new “acute respiratory episodes,” and his blood circulation tests continue to show stability.

A CT scan was conducted to monitor the pneumonia in both of his lungs, and results are expected on Wednesday. While his prognosis is still uncertain, the pope’s condition remains guarded.

Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 after having difficulty breathing. He was diagnosed with a respiratory tract infection, pneumonia in both lungs, and mild kidney failure.

Despite his serious health condition, the pope has continued his work, including approving sainthood for two people who died in the early 20th century. On Monday, he held a meeting in his hospital room with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Venezuelan Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra to authorize the canonization of two laymen from Venezuela and Italy.

He also gave the green light for the initial steps toward sainthood for three priests from Spain, Italy, and Poland.

The Vatican confirmed the approvals on Tuesday, just hours after releasing a brief statement noting that the pope had “slept well” the previous night.

On Monday evening, thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square, braving the rain to pray for the pope’s recovery. Similar prayer vigils were held across Italy and around the world, continuing into a nightly marathon of prayer.

Doctors reported a “slight improvement” in some of his test results on Monday. Francis was said to be in good spirits and eating normally. Vatican Secretary of State Parolin led the prayers at St. Peter’s, stating, “Starting this evening, we want to unite ourselves publicly to this prayer here, in his house,” and prayed for the pope’s swift recovery.