Papal condition update
February 26, 2025
(As Pope Francis remains in Gemelli Hospital, CWN will relay medical bulletins if and when they provide useful new information.)
Friday morning, February 28: Pope Francis passed another restful night, and was combining rest and therapy with work on Friday, the Vatican announced.
However, in an indication that the Pope’s stay in Gemelli Hospital is likely to last well into next week, the Vatican announced that Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, the head of the Apostolic Penitentiary, will replace the Pontiff in leading Ash Wednesday service on March 5.
Thursday afternoon, February 27: After therapy and rest in the morning, the Pope prayed in his private hospital chapel in the afternoon, then spent some time at work.
Doctors reported less use of high-flow oxygen—using a mask instead. But cautioned: “In view of the complexity of the clinical picture, further days of clinical stability are needed to ease the prognosis.”
In a related development the Pope’s sister, Maria Elena Bergoglio, who lives in Argentina and has seen him rarely (if ever) since his election, has reportedly arrived in Rome.
Thursday morning, February 27: Vatican reports Pope rested comfortably, had breakfast sitting up, then rested. No significant medical updates.
The Vatican has announced the cancellation of a Jubliee audience scheduled for Saturday, March 1, because of the Pope’s hospitalization.
Wednesday afternoon, February 26: Gemelli Hospital reports:
- CT scan on Thursday showed “normal progression of the lung inflammation” due to double pneumonia;
- kidney problems have “subsided”;
- blood tests showed “slight further improvement; but
- Pope is still receiving high-flow oxygen;
- “his prognosis remains guarded.”
Wednesday morning, February 26: In a brief bulletin, the Vatican said that Pope Francis “had a quiet night and is resting.” He has not suffered any new episodes of severe difficulty in breathing, but is receiving supplemental oxygen. He remains alert, but his condition is still critical.
On Tuesday evening the Pope was given a CT scan to assess the condition of his lungs. The results of that scan may be made available later on Wednesday.
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