Pope Francis is no longer in critical condition, a Vatican source confirmed on Friday, following a series of clinical improvements for the 88-year-old pontiff, who has been battling pneumonia in both lungs.
The Argentine pope has spent the past two weeks at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, with the Vatican consistently reporting gradual progress in his health.
A Vatican source stated on Friday that “the critical phase has passed, for the moment,” while also noting that Francis’s overall condition “remains complex” and that his prognosis is still “reserved.”
Earlier in the day, the Vatican reported that the pope had spent another peaceful night in the hospital.
Francis was hospitalized on February 14 due to breathing difficulties, which later worsened into pneumonia affecting both lungs.
Concerns grew over the weekend, but in recent days, there have been no further episodes of breathing complications.
The Vatican has since issued increasingly optimistic updates on his condition.
On Monday, officials announced that the pope had shown a “slight improvement,” and by Tuesday, they described his condition as “critical but stable.” That was the last time the Vatican used the term “critical” in reference to his health.
By Wednesday, they reported a “further, slight improvement,” and on Thursday, it was confirmed that “the Holy Father’s clinical condition continues to improve.”
Despite these positive developments, the Vatican has not changed the pope’s prognosis from “reserved,” indicating that doctors remain cautious about predicting the trajectory of his recovery.
Medical experts warn that Francis’s age and his chronic respiratory condition mean that a full recovery could take time.
“Given the complexity of the clinical picture, further days of clinical stability are necessary before the prognosis can be resolved,” the Vatican stated on Thursday.
Throughout his hospital stay, Francis—who has served as pope since 2013—has continued to work from his special papal suite on the 10th floor, balancing periods of rest and prayer with breathing exercises.
This marks his fourth hospitalization during his nearly 12-year papacy and his longest stay to date. In recent years, he has undergone colon surgery and a hernia operation, while persistent knee and hip pain have forced him to rely on a wheelchair.
As preparations for the upcoming Holy Jubilee year continue, speculation has arisen over whether Francis might consider resigning.
“If the pope recovers, many believe he will want to complete the Jubilee year. However, once he turns 89, he may face the question of whether to resign,” Italian Vatican expert Marco Politi told AFP.
