The Sat Report: Pope Francis still critical but stable

Let us continue to pray for the good health of Pope Francis

Today, the 12th day of Pope Francis’ admission to the Gemelli University Hospital, marks the longest continuous period that he has been hospitalised in his Pontificate. The Holy Father’s clinical condition remains critical but he is stable.

Pope Francis at his General Audience February 12, 2025 (Vatican Media)

Initially admitted with bronchitis, we know that Pope Francis developed bilateral pneumonia in hospital and today he had a routine CT scan to monitor the course of the disease and to see how well it has responded to treatment. Firstly, that the Pope is well enough to be transferred for CT is a good sign. However, that the Vatican did not say what the CT scan showed probably indicates that the pneumonia isn’t responding as the doctors would have liked to the treatment. This is pure speculation on my part, just reading between the lines. This is worrying.

On the other positive aspects, the Pope is still working, though the doctors are probably advising him to rest, which would probably do him good. He hasn’t had any respiratory distress since Saturday morning, and his blood pressure and heart are all good. All this indicates that at this time there doesn’t seem to be any indication of sepsis. I think the doctors just want the Holy Father to maintain his blood oxygen concentrations, and see some improvements radiologically in his lungs before issuing a prognosis. The Holy Father still remains in a critical condition and is still very much in need of our prayers.

Here is today’s statement from the Holy See Press Office in full:

The Holy Father's clinical condition remains critical but stable. There have been no acute respiratory episodes, and haemodynamic parameters continue to be stable.

In the evening, he underwent a scheduled CT scan to radiologically monitor the bilateral pneumonia. The prognosis remains cautious.

In the morning, after receiving the Holy Communion, he resumed work activities

This evening the second of nightly rosaries for the health of Pope Francis has held in St. Peter’s Square, tonight led by Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, with the entire Roman Curia and most of the other Cardinals resident in Rome in attendance.

Let us all please continue to pray for the Pope, whose condition remains critical, during this very trying time for him.

Oremus pro Pontifice nostro Francisco. Dominus conservet eum, et vivificet eum, et beatum faciat eum in terra, et non tradat eum in animam inimicorum eius.