Christianity

Pope Francis in 'Stable' Condition, No New Medical Crises Reported

MAR 3 2025·Updated MAR 5 2025

Story

Above: Candles are lit at the statue of John Paul II outside the Gemelli University Hospital where Pope Francis is hospitalized with pneumonia, in Rome on March 4, 2025. Image credit: Filippo Monteforte/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images

The Facts

Pope Francis remained in stable condition on Tuesday, the Vatican reported in its latest medical update on the pontiff, adding that he was without fever and experienced no new medical crises throughout the day.
Vatican News
This comes the pope suffered two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency on Monday due to an accumulation of endobronchial mucus and a subsequent bronchospasm, or coughing attack, in a reaction of the bronchi to expel the bacteria, with two bronchoscopies performed on him to aspirate secretions and non-invasive mechanical ventilation resumed.
ABC News
FOX News
This is the second time that the current leader of the Catholic Church has been taken off a ventilator and was reported to be in a stable condition — though not out of danger. On Sunday, he participated in Mass along with those caring for him during his hospitalization. He also met with his two top deputies at the hospital.
The Associated Press
National Catholic Reporter
Francis has been battling double pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli Hospital for more than two weeks since being admitted on Feb. 14 with a severe lung infection after a bout of bronchitis worsened. In his youth, the 88-year-old pontiff had part of his right lung removed.
The Associated Press
The Telegraph
France 24
This is the fourth and longest hospital stay since the Argentine pope started his papacy on March 13, 2013. It also marks his longest absence from view as he hasn't been seen in public since entering the hospital.
Reuters
France 24
Meanwhile, a message dated Feb. 26 from the Gemelli Hospital to the General Assembly of the Pontifical Academy for Life — in which the Pope called for further multilateralism to address what he called a global "polycrisis" — went public on Monday as the plenary meeting kicked off.
Catholic News Agency
Holy See Press Office

Sources Split

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RIGHT

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ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

Pope Francis has been active even during his longest-ever hospitalization — a sign that he has no intention to resign as long as he feels able to govern the Catholic Church despite concerns and rumors over his health and future as pontiff. Papal resignations should never become the norm.

Catholic Herald

Narrative B

As his health is in clear decline, Pope Francis should consider following the precedent of papal retirement established by Benedict XVI and step down from his role. It's certain that he has denied any intention to follow that path, but, at the same time, Francis has signed a letter that could trigger his resignation due to medical reasons.