Vatican, 18 February, 2025 / 7:45 PM
Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Friday, Feb. 14, to undergo testing and treatment for bronchitis, the Vatican said.
Follow here for the latest news on Pope Francis’ health and hospitalization:
Vatican: Pope spends sixth night at Gemelli as U.S. Vice President Vance calls for prayers
As Pope Francis continues treatment for bilateral pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli hospital, the Vatican tells journalists on Wednesday morning he spent “a quiet night” and “woke up and had breakfast.”
The brief Vatican update comes as the pope undergoes additional therapy following Tuesday's diagnosis of bilateral pneumonia, which has prompted the cancellation of several upcoming events including weekend jubilee celebrations.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic, joined calls for prayers for the Holy Father's recovery early Wednesday.
Vatican: Pope needs more treatment after onset of double pneumonia
The Vatican on Tuesday said tests earlier in the afternoon showed Pope Francis had developed “bilateral” or double pneumonia, leading doctors to prescribe additional treatment for the Holy Father.
“Laboratory tests, [a] chest X-ray, and the Holy Father’s clinical condition continue to present a complex picture,” a statement from the Holy See Press Office said.
The pope underwent a chest CT scan on Tuesday afternoon, the Vatican said, with the results showing “the onset of bilateral pneumonia, which required additional drug therapy.”
The pope remains “in good spirits,” the Holy See noted.
“This morning he received the Eucharist, and throughout the day he alternated rest with prayer and reading texts. He gives thanks for the closeness he feels at this time and asks, with a grateful heart, that we continue to pray for him,” the statement said.
Pope cancels weekend jubilee audience, Mass amid ongoing hospital stay
The pope continues to postpone public appearances as his respiratory infection persists, with the Vatican announcing Tuesday the cancellation of Saturday’s jubilee audience and the delegation of Sunday’s special Mass.
Archbishop Rino Fisichella, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, will celebrate the Mass for the Jubilee of Deacons scheduled for 9 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23, in St. Peter’s Basilica, the Holy See Press Office tells journalists Feb. 18.
Pope Francis in stable condition, prays and works on fourth day in hospital
Pope Francis remains in stable condition and spent his fourth day in the hospital praying, reading, and doing some work, according to the latest health update released by the Vatican on Monday night.
The 88-year-old pope is without a fever as he continues to receive treatment for a polymicrobial respiratory infection. He received the Eucharist, did some reading, and “dedicated himself to some work activities” on Monday.
“Pope Francis is touched by the numerous messages of affection and closeness that he continues to receive in these hours,” the Vatican statement said. The pope expressed particular gratitude for the well wishes he received from his fellow patients in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and asked for continued prayers.
Vatican: Medical tests reveal a complex respiratory infection that requires ‘appropriate’ hospital stay
The Holy See Press Office announces that tests conducted in recent days have shown the pope is battling a polymicrobial respiratory infection that requires physicians to modify his treatment plan.
All diagnostic results indicate a complex clinical situation that will require “an appropriate hospital stay” at Rome”s Gemelli hospital, Vatican officials say.
The general audience for Wednesday, Feb. 19, has been canceled.
Pope Francis spends peaceful third night at Gemelli hospital, continues to call Gaza parish
Pope Francis “rested well through the night” and had “no febrile episodes,” as he continues treatment for bronchitis at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni told journalists Sunday morning.
“After a peaceful night, the Holy Father had breakfast and reads several newspapers, as is his habit,” Bruni added. Medical assessments and necessary treatments are continuing.
While doctors have prescribed complete rest, the 88-year-old pontiff prepared a special Angelus message for publication, focusing on art’s power to unite humanity and including prayers for regions torn by conflict.
Vatican: Pope Francis still undergoing treatment, showing improvement
Pope Francis “rested all night” and presented “no febrile episodes,” the Vatican says as the Holy Father continues to recover from bronchitis at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
The pope had been admitted to the hospital on Friday after suffering from bronchitis for several days. He was found to have a respiratory tract infection and a slight fever upon admittance.
Following his overnight stay, the pope's treatment was “slightly modified” after “further microbiological findings,” the Vatican says, adding that Saturday's tests “found improvement in some values.”
“During the morning he received holy Eucharist, then alternated rest with prayer and reading,“ the Vatican says.
“To facilitate the recovery, the medical staff prescribed absolute rest; therefore, on tomorrow, Sunday, Feb. 16, the Holy Father will not lead the Angelus prayer; nevertheless, he intended to send the text for its publication,“ the Holy See Press Office adds.
The pope “has been updated of the many messages of closeness and affection received and expresses his gratitude, while asking for continued prayers for him,“ the Vatican says.
Pope Francis reads newspapers, continues treatment after first night at Gemelli
Pope Francis spends a “peaceful night” and reads several newspapers Saturday morning following his admission to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for bronchitis, according to the Vatican.
“The Holy Father had a good night’s sleep. This morning he had breakfast and read several newspapers,” Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, tells journalists Feb. 15.
“Medical assessments and necessary treatments are continuing.”
The Best Catholic News - straight to your inbox
Sign up for our free ACI Africa newsletter.
Our mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA