Pope Francis has shown “a slight improvement” in his health while being hospitalized for double pneumonia, but he is still considered to be in critical condition.
The 88-year-old has spent the last 10 days in a Rome hospital. His condition has concerned the Catholic community so much that the Vatican called all cardinals to recite the rosary at St. Peter’s Square on Monday night.
A couple stands in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
This was the first time a special saying of the rosary was recited for the pope, Vatican officials said. Such a saying of the rosary is usually reserved for popes in grim conditions. The death of John Paul II was announced in 2005 after a crowd in St. Peter’s Square finished saying the rosary for him.
Some of the pope’s lab tests have improved, and he has had no further asthmatic episodes. He has a “mild renal insufficiency,” or declining kidney function, but it is not considered a “cause for concern.” His oxygen therapy has continued but with less flow and percentage of oxygen.
No prognosis has been offered for the pope, but someone of his age faces a greater risk of death from pneumonia.
The pope received Holy Communion on Monday morning before working in the afternoon and managed to eat solid food. He called the parish priest in Gaza to offer his “paternal closeness.” The pope has spoken with the priest throughout the region’s war.
He thanked those who have wished him well on Sunday.
“I have recently received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children,” a post from his X account said. “Thank you for your closeness, and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!”
He has sought to offer the public transparent updates on his health when top Vatican officials have declined to do so in the past. The pope has offered specifics on his medical records when he’s not required to do so.
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Archbishop of New York Timothy Dolan said the pope was “in very, very fragile health and probably close to death” on Sunday.
If the pope does die, mourning traditions will commence and an election will be held for a new pope within 15 to 20 days.
Pope Francis health improves slightly as Vatican begins special rosary
