Pope Francis remains in stable condition despite reportedly telling aides he “won’t make it this time.” The 88-year-old was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 with bronchitis, which later developed into pneumonia in both lungs. Sources close to the Pope say he has been experiencing “intense pain” and privately expressed concerns about his recovery.
However, the Vatican has insisted that his condition is improving. A statement released on February 21 confirmed that the Pope had “a restful night,” got out of bed, and had breakfast in an armchair. Blood tests also showed “a slight improvement, particularly in inflammatory indices.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited the Pope and reassured the public about his health, saying, “Very happy to have found him alert and responsive. We joked as always. He hasn’t lost his proverbial sense of humor.”
This is the second time in two years that Pope Francis has been hospitalized with a respiratory infection. In 2023, he was treated for acute bronchitis but later told the world, “I am still alive.” Despite concerns from those close to him, the Vatican maintains that he is on the mend.
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