POPE Francis remains in critical but stable condition, the Vatican confirmed as the 88-year-old Pontiff continues to battle double pneumonia while working from his hospital bed.
A Tuesday evening statement from the Holy See Press Office reported that Francis underwent a follow-up CT scan to monitor his lung infection.
AFPThe Vatican has given the latest health update on Pope Francis[/caption]
EPAA candle with the image of Pope Francis (L) outside Gemelli University Hospital, where the Pontiff is battling pneumonia and a respiratory infection[/caption]
AFPThe Pope was admitted on February 14 after struggling with breathing difficulties[/caption]
However, no details on the results were provided, suggesting they were still pending.
Despite the severity of his illness, the Pope has not suffered any further respiratory crises, and his blood parameters remain stable.
“The Holy Father’s clinical condition remains critical but stable. No acute respiratory episodes have occurred, and hemodynamic parameters continue to be stable,” the Vatican said.
Francis underwent a scheduled CT scan in the evening to monitor his bilateral pneumonia, officials said.
Earlier in the day, he received the Eucharist and resumed work activities despite his ongoing illness.
The Pope continued to approve key Vatican decisions from his hospital room.
On Monday, he met with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, essentially the Vatican’s chief of staff, to approve new decrees for two saints and five beatifications — the first step toward sainthood.
Francis also decided to convene a consistory, a formal meeting of cardinals, about future canonisations.
While no date has been set, the move is significant given that Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation at a similar gathering in 2013.
The Pope was admitted on February 14 after struggling with breathing difficulties, later being diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs.
Despite growing speculation about a possible resignation, the Vatican has firmly denied that Francis is considering stepping down.
Parolin himself dismissed the rumors, telling Corriere della Sera that “such speculation is useless” and that what matters now is the Pope’s health.
Francis, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, has a history of lung problems, having had part of one lung removed due to pleurisy as a young man.
His pre-existing condition makes pneumonia particularly dangerous for him, and doctors say his condition remains “touch-and-go.”
The Pope’s illness has prompted an outpouring of support from the faithful.
Thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Tuesday to pray for his recovery, while visitors at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital — where he is being treated — paused to offer prayers at the statue of St. John Paul II outside the main entrance.
“We heard that he is in the hospital right now, and we are very worried about his health,” said Hoang Phuc Nguyen, a Canadian pilgrim in Rome for the Holy Year celebrations.
“He is our father, and it is our responsibility to pray for him.”
Honduran Cardinal Óscar Rodríguez Maradiaga, a close ally of Francis, dismissed dire rumours about the Pope’s health, saying: “Humanly speaking, I don’t think it’s time for him to go to Paradise.”
Despite his condition, Francis has shown signs of resilience.
The Vatican said he slept well Monday night, and recent medical updates indicate his mild kidney insufficiency remains under control.
Doctors have also slightly reduced his oxygen therapy, a sign of some improvement.
The Pope has continued working, approving new bishops for Brazil, a new archbishop for Vancouver, and changes to Vatican City’s legal hierarchy.
He also released his Lenten message, showing that he remains focused on the future.
However, the Vatican has cautioned against over-optimism, warning that his prognosis remains “guarded.”
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