Pope enjoys 'quiet night' after month-long hospital stay

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
14 Mar 2025 13:23

While no longer in critical condition, the 88-year-old pope continues to receive respiratory support, using a nasal cannula during the day and an oxygen mask at night.

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Night view of the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, on Thursday, March 13, 2025, where Pope Francis is being treated for bilateral pneumonia since February 14. (AP)

Pope Francis had another "quiet night" at the Rome hospital where he has been battling pneumonia in both lungs for a month, the Vatican announced on Friday.

While no longer in critical condition, the 88-year-old pope continues to receive respiratory support, using a nasal cannula during the day and an oxygen mask at night.

The Vatican reported that Francis had physiotherapy on Thursday and is still receiving ongoing treatment at the Gemelli Hospital. He also enjoyed a cake to mark his 12 years as pope, prayed, and completed his breathing exercises.

The Vatican press office indicated that a new medical bulletin would be issued Friday evening but may cease providing daily morning updates.

As speculation grows about his return home, the pope’s extended hospital stay, which began on February 14, has sparked concerns about his ability to lead the world’s nearly 1.4 billion Catholics.

"It takes time for an 88-year-old body affected by bilateral pneumonia to recover, also in terms of energy, of strength," the Vatican said.

On March 4, the Pope suffered two episodes of "acute respiratory failure" due to a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and a consequent bronchospasm.

"Two bronchoscopies were therefore performed, requiring aspiration of abundant secretions," the Vatican said at the time. "In the afternoon, non-invasive mechanical ventilation was resumed."

The pope has faced several health challenges in recent years, including colon surgery in 2021 and a hernia operation in 2023. However, this marks his longest and most serious hospitalization during his papacy.