Pope Francis is reportedly making good progress in his recovery from pneumonia, marking an optimistic turning point in his pontificate. According to two of his close confidants, the 88-year-old pope, now in his fifth week at the Gemelli hospital in Rome, is feeling better.
Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, who serves as the Vatican’s chief of staff, has visited Pope Francis three times since his hospitalization. Parra recounted encountering a serene and humor-filled pope, indicating a positive outlook on his recovery process. Speaking at a book launch, Peña Parra shared that doctors have emphasized the need for time in his convalescence but acknowledged ongoing improvements in his health.
Supporting this sentiment, the Vatican press office confirmed that Pope Francis is showing mild enhancements in his condition. He continues to undergo respiratory and physical therapy and has gradually reduced his dependence on high-flow supplemental oxygen, no longer requiring mechanical ventilation at night.
Another close ally, Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, commented on this transitional phase in Pope Francis’ 12-year pontificate. While the cardinal anticipates forthcoming surprises upon the pope’s release, he also reassured that the prospect of resignation is not on the horizon. Fernández reported regular communication with the pope during his hospitalization starting February 14, following assurance that Francis was responding well to treatment.
Despite the pope’s initial reluctance to seek hospital treatment for his bronchitis, which progressed into double pneumonia, he was eventually persuaded to go after those around him threatened to resign if he refused. This, Fernández noted, led to significant reflection for Francis during his stay in the hospital.
Pope Francis had a portion of his lung removed in his youth and is known for his aversion to rest and self-care, often prioritizing work over health. Post-recovery, it is hoped that this experience might inspire him to heed medical advice more cautiously.
Fernández expressed that the pontiff’s time in the hospital, though taxing, offers a promising special period of growth and change. He believes whatever insights gained during this time could greatly benefit the wider church and world. While the exact nature of these changes remains uncertain, they are anticipated with hopefulness for the future.