Despite being in critical condition with double pneumonia, Pope Francis remains actively involved in Vatican affairs, meeting with top officials and making key decisions from his hospital bed. According to Vatican sources, the 88-year-old pontiff has been eating normally and moving around his hospital room while continuing treatment at Rome's Gemelli hospital. This marks his longest hospital stay since becoming pope nearly 12 years ago.
Pope’s Resilience and Active Role in Vatican Affairs
Even while battling a serious respiratory infection, Francis has continued working behind the scenes. On Monday, he met with his second-in-command, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, along with Parolin’s deputy, to discuss pending cases for sainthood. The Vatican also announced new appointments that required the pope’s approval, further demonstrating his ongoing involvement in the church’s leadership despite his health struggles.
The Vatican has reassured the public that Pope Francis is resting well at night. Though official details about his condition remain limited, an unnamed Vatican official has reported that the pope is in stable condition, following his treatment regimen and remaining engaged with his responsibilities.
Health Concerns and Medical Updates
While Pope Francis' condition remains serious, Vatican officials noted a slight improvement on Monday. The latest updates also confirmed that a mild kidney insufficiency, previously reported over the weekend, is not a significant concern. However, his double pneumonia remains complex, caused by multiple microorganisms, making it a challenging illness to overcome.
Francis’ history of lung complications adds another layer of concern. As a young adult, he suffered from pleurisy, which led to the partial removal of one of his lungs. This has left him more vulnerable to respiratory infections, which have troubled him several times over the past two years.
A City United in Prayer
Concern for Pope Francis has led thousands of faithful to gather in St. Peter’s Square, where they prayed for his swift recovery on Monday evening. His friend, Honduran Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga, expressed confidence that the pope’s time had not yet come, telling an Italian newspaper, “I think ... it’s not time for him to go to heaven yet.”
Even in the days leading up to his hospitalization, Pope Francis had shown remarkable determination. Earlier in February, he signaled that he had a bad cold, which affected his ability to read out his speeches. Still, he pressed on, attending daily meetings and even participating in open-air Masses despite the cold weather. Some well-wishers have suggested he should have taken better care of himself, but Maradiaga defended the pope’s relentless work ethic, emphasizing that Francis sees his role as a mission that must be fulfilled.
Visits and Continued Support
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni remains the only known high-profile visitor to have met with Pope Francis during his hospital stay. The Vatican, however, continues to operate as usual, ensuring that its daily affairs remain in order despite the pope’s absence from the Vatican itself.
A fresh medical update is expected later in the evening, around 7 p.m. (1800 GMT), providing more insight into the pope’s ongoing recovery. For now, the world watches and prays, hoping for Pope Francis’ health to improve as he continues to guide the Catholic Church from his hospital room.
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