On the same day that the Vatican provided a health update concerning Pope Francis’ condition, the Pope shared messages with the public on social media.
“I urge you to continue your apostolate with joy and to be a sign of a love that embraces everyone,” the pontiff said, referencing the day’s Gospel reading.
He passionately encouraged his followers, adding, “May we transform evil into goodness and build a fraternal world. Do not be afraid to take risks for love!”
In his second message, Pope Francis expressed profound gratitude for the outpouring of support he has received globally and mentioned how particularly touched he his by gestures from young believers.
He warmly thanked everyone, stating, “Thank you for your closeness, and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!”
These personal messages arrive at a significant moment as the Pope remains hospitalized. Amid Pope Francis penning personal messages to the public, the Holy See Press Office shared an update on the condition of his health via a statement shared on Instagram.
Their statement clarified that Pope Francis remains in critical condition, though his health has stabilized since February 22. The pontiff has not experienced any further respiratory episodes since Saturday evening.
He received two units of concentrated red blood cells, effectively raising his hemoglobin levels. His thrombocytopenia condition remains stable. However, recent blood tests have indicated early signs of mild renal insufficiency, which is currently being managed by his medical team.
Pope Francis continues receiving high-flow oxygen therapy through nasal cannulas and is described as “alert and well-oriented.”
Given the complexity of his condition, Vatican officials stress the prognosis remains guarded, emphasizing the necessity of time for ongoing treatments to fully take effect.
Remarkably, Pope Francis participated in Holy Mass on Sunday morning from his apartment on the tenth floor, joined by the caregivers who have attended to him throughout his hospitalization.
At the same time, Cardinal Timothy Dolan urged attendees of his homily on Sunday to pray for and with the Pope. He also revealed that no one at the Vatican has publicly confessed that Pope Francis may not recover from his condition.
“We of the Catholic family, and so many of our friends and neighbors find ourselves this morning at the bedside of a dying father. As our Holy Father, Pope Francis is in very, very fragile health and probably close to death,” disclosed Cardinal Dolan.
Such updates from Cardinal Dolan, the Holy See Press Office, and the messages from Pope Francis come after the Vatican News shared a previous update on his health. They reported that the Pope would be admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic hospital after his morning audiences on February 14.
The Holy See Press Office later confirmed that he had been suffering from bronchitis for several days, leading to difficulties in delivering his public addresses.
The Pope had already delegated his prepared remarks to be read by others during multiple events, including his Wednesday General Audiences. Earlier, on February 6, Vatican News had stated that he would hold his audiences from his residence at Casa Santa Marta due to his ongoing illness.
Upon his admission, doctors conducted a series of diagnostic tests, with treatment focused on managing his bronchitis and preventing further complications.
By February 18, doctors diagnosed Pope Francis with bilateral pneumonia, adding another layer of concern to his condition. The Holy See Press Office stated that he was undergoing complex treatment, including corticosteroids and antibiotics, due to a polymicrobial infection.
Despite his worsening symptoms, it was reported that the Pope remained in “good spirits” alternating between rest, prayer, and reading. He also received the Eucharist and extended his gratitude to those who had been praying for his recovery.
On February 22, Vatican News shared a concerning update from the Holy See Press Office, revealing that Pope Francis remains in critical condition. An update via Instagram confirmed that the Pope had suffered an asthma-like respiratory crisis earlier that morning, requiring the use of high-flow oxygen.
Blood tests further revealed thrombocytopenia and anemia, necessitating transfusions. The statement reiterated that while the Pope was alert and sitting in an armchair, he was more fatigued than the previous day.
As of February 23, Pope Francis had spent his ninth consecutive night in the hospital. A Vatican statement released on Sunday morning confirmed that he continued treatment for double pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
During a press conference, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of the Pope’s medical team, and Dr. Luigi Carbone, the Vice-Director of Vatican healthcare services, addressed journalists for approximately forty minutes.
Pope Francis arriving for his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, Vatican on May 10, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
They noted that the Pope was expected to remain hospitalized for at least another week. While they reassured the public that he was not in immediate danger of death, they emphasized that he was also not fully out of danger.
Dr. Alfieri clarified that Pope Francis was not on a ventilator but continued to struggle with breathing, requiring him to limit physical movement.
Despite this, he remained engaged and continued his work. In a lighthearted exchange, when a doctor greeted him by saying, “Hello, Holy Father,” the Pope reportedly responded with, “Hello, Holy Son.”
Medical experts expressed their primary concern regarding the risk of a bacterial infection entering his bloodstream, which could lead to sepsis.
However, Dr. Alfieri remained optimistic that Pope Francis would eventually be discharged and return to Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican. He cautioned, however, that the Pope’s chronic respiratory issues would persist even after his hospital stay.
According to sources reportedly familiar with the situation, Pope Francis has been enduring severe pain and has privately conveyed doubts about his chances of recovery.
On Sunday, doctors at Gemelli Hospital made the difficult decision to prevent him from delivering his usual morning Angelus sermon—a rare occurrence, even during previous hospital stays.
Insiders say the Pope is now strictly following medical directives, a significant shift from his usual determination to maintain his routine.
This is not the first time Pope Francis has faced serious health challenges. In March 2023, he was hospitalized for several days due to a respiratory infection.
The Vatican revealed that he had been experiencing breathing difficulties and was admitted to Gemelli Hospital for medical tests. Doctors ruled out COVID-19 but determined that he required an extended hospital stay for specialized treatment.
During his recovery, the Pope expressed his gratitude for the support and prayers he received from around the world. A few months later, in June 2023, he was hospitalized again, this time for abdominal surgery to address a painful incisional hernia.
The condition, a result of previous operations, had been causing intestinal blockages. He remained in the hospital for nine days before returning to the Vatican, choosing to enter discreetly through a side gate without stopping for the reporters gathered outside.
Over the years, Pope Francis has built relationships with many prominent figures, including celebrities like George Clooney and Angelina Jolie. As his health remains a global concern, supporters from all walks of life continue to send prayers and well wishes.