Pope Francis’ clinical condition slightly improving, key parameters stable

By Giada Zampano

ROME (AA) – Pope Francis’ clinical condition is “slightly improving,” the Vatican said Thursday, adding that the pontiff has no fever and that his key parameters are stable.

Pope Francis was hospitalized last Friday at Rome’s Gemelli hospital due to bronchitis, but his condition further complicated as he developed pneumonia in both lungs.

The Vatican said in a statement that the pope received the Eucharist in the morning, and then he continued his work activities from the hospital.

Francis, 88, on Wednesday received the private visit of Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, who said he was in good spirits and maintained his “proverbial sense of humor.”

This is the fourth time the Argentine pope has been hospitalized at the Gemelli Hospital.

In 2021, he had colon surgery there, while he was treated for a respiratory infection in 2023, leaving the hospital after three days. He was then hospitalized a few months later to undergo abdominal surgery for a hernia.

Francis' fragile health has raised worries over the future of his pontificate and recently sparked new speculation around his possible resignation.