Pope Francis had 'quiet night' as he recovers from pneumonia: Vatican

By Necva Tastan Sevinc

ISTANBUL (AA) - Pope Francis is continuing his recovery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he is being treated for bilateral pneumonia, the Vatican said on Monday.

The 88-year-old pontiff had a "quiet night" and remains under medical supervision, the Vatican said in a statement.

On Sunday, the Vatican reported that the pope is actively following the Spiritual Exercises of the Roman Curia via video link from his hospital apartment.

Despite his hospitalization, Francis is maintaining a structured routine. He continues therapy, including respiratory and motor physiotherapy, and has transitioned to a prescribed diet that now includes solid foods, the statement said.

His condition remains stable, with slight gradual improvements, as noted in Saturday evening’s medical bulletin. However, due to the complexity of his health situation, doctors are maintaining a guarded prognosis.

The 88-year-old pontiff has been at Gemelli Hospital since Feb. 14.

He was elected as Pope Benedict XVI's successor at the age of 76 on March 13, 2013, and took the name Francis.

- A string of health issues

This is the latest in a series of health challenges the pontiff has faced in recent years.

In 2022, he canceled planned trips to Africa due to knee problems, which have left him walking with a cane or using a wheelchair.

In March 2023, he was hospitalized in Rome with a respiratory infection. A few months later, he underwent abdominal surgery for a hernia.

Earlier this year, the Vatican reported that the pope fell in his quarters, slightly injuring his right arm.

The pontiff, born in Argentina in 1936, has struggled with health issues for much of his life.

At age 21, he had part of his lung removed due to life-threatening pneumonia and three cysts. He has said the ordeal inspired him to join the Jesuit order.