Pope Francis has spent another night without complications, the Vatican reported on Friday, marking a week since the 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia in both lungs.
“The night went smoothly, and this morning Pope Francis got up and had breakfast,” the Vatican said in its daily update.
This update is part of a series of positive reports from the Vatican, which has been providing regular, albeit modest, updates on the health of the Argentine pope.
Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital last Friday with bronchitis, which later progressed into pneumonia in both lungs, causing significant concern.
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However, the Vatican stated on Thursday that the pope remained without a fever and that his “hemodynamic (blood flow) parameters are stable.”
Vatican sources have confirmed that the pope has been maintaining correspondence and continuing to work with his team.
Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, head of Italy’s bishops’ conference, expressed confidence on Thursday that the pope was “on the right path.” He added, “The fact that the pope had breakfast, read the newspapers, and received visitors means that we are heading towards a full recovery, which we hope will come soon.”
Following doctors’ advice for “absolute rest,” Pope Francis canceled his scheduled engagements for the week, including a Saturday audience and Sunday mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.
It remains unclear whether he will be able to lead the traditional Angelus prayer from the Gemelli balcony on Sunday, as he has done during previous hospital stays.
Last Sunday, the Vatican released an Angelus message written by the pope but not delivered by him.
During his hospitalization, some Catholic followers have placed candles and pictures of the pope in front of a statue of Pope John Paul II outside the Gemelli hospital.
Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the vicar general of the Diocese of Rome, has urged all parishes in the city to pray for the pope’s recovery.
Despite his illness, the pope has remained in good spirits, according to a Vatican spokesperson earlier this week.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, after a 20-minute visit on Wednesday, reported that the pope was “alert” and even joking. “He hasn’t lost his renowned sense of humor,” Meloni remarked.
Pope Francis, who had part of his lung removed as a young man, has faced several health issues in recent years, including multiple bouts of bronchitis, hip and knee pain, and surgeries for colon and hernia issues.
This hospitalization marks his fourth stay at the Gemelli hospital since 2021.
