Pope Francis, who is in critical condition due to double pneumonia, had a restful night in the hospital, according to a statement from the Vatican on Wednesday.
The 88-year-old pontiff is currently in his 13th day at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, marking the longest hospitalization of his almost 12-year papacy.
The Vatican issued a brief statement noting, “The pope had a tranquil night and is resting,” without offering any additional details.
On Tuesday, the Vatican reported that the pope remained in critical condition for the fourth consecutive day but was stable and had experienced no new respiratory crises.
According to the Vatican’s statement from Tuesday, the pope’s prognosis is described as “guarded.” However, his hemodynamic parameters, which reflect the status of his circulatory system, are also said to be “stable.”
Francis, who has held the papacy since 2013, hails from Argentina and is the first pope from the Americas. On Tuesday evening, members of the Argentinian community in Rome gathered at Our Lady of Sorrows Church to pray for his recovery.
“We pray for his health so that he can continue to lead the Church,” remarked Reverend Mario Aler, referencing the upcoming 2025 Catholic Holy Year. “Francis should continue to support this significant event for the entire Church,” he added.
Romina Taboada Tonina, Paraguay’s ambassador to the Vatican, who was present at the service, described the pope as “a great leader, without a doubt.”
“Not only for Catholics, but he is also a significant political leader,” she stated.
In St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Tuesday evening, hundreds came together for a prayer service attended by both pilgrims and prominent Church leaders. This service is being held daily throughout this week.
The pope’s double pneumonia is a severe infection affecting both lungs, which can lead to inflammation and scarring, making breathing difficult. The Vatican has indicated that the pope’s infection is “complex,” involving two or more microorganisms.
Since becoming pope in 2013, Francis has experienced multiple health challenges over the last two years. He is susceptible to lung infections due to having developed pleurisy in his youth and undergoing surgery that removed a portion of one lung.
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An additional update regarding the pope’s health is anticipated on Wednesday evening. This may include information from a CAT scan conducted on Tuesday to assess his pneumonia.
Despite his illness, Francis has been intermittently conducting Vatican business from the hospital, as operations continue. The Vatican revealed several new appointments on Tuesday, which required the pope’s endorsement.
