Wednesday Update: Pope calls parish in Gaza as his condition remains stable on Ash Wednesday
By Vatican News 3/5/2025 2:00 p.m.
The Holy See Press Office released the following statement on Wednesday evening providing the daily medical update on Pope Francis’ health.
“The Holy Father remained stable today as well, without any episodes of respiratory insufficiency.
“As planned, he utilized supplemental, high-flow oxygenation, and non-invasive mechanical ventilation will be resumed tonight.
“The Holy Father increased his respiratory and active motor physiotherapy. He spent the day in his armchair.
“Given the complexity of the clinical situation, the prognosis remains guarded.
“This morning, in the private apartment located on the 10th floor, the Holy Father participated in the rite of the blessing of the Sacred Ashes, which were imposed on him by the celebrant. He then received the Eucharist.
“Afterwards, he engaged in several work activities. During the morning, he also called Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest of the Holy Family Church in Gaza.
“In the afternoon, he alternated between rest and work.”
Pope Francis has been receiving treatment for bilateral pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since he was hospitalized on February 14.
In the Wednesday morning update on the Pope’s health, the Holy See Press Office says Pope Francis has had a restful night in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he is being treated for bilateral pneumonia, and woke up slightly after 8 a.m. this morning.
By Vatican News 3/5/2025 9:00 a.m.
Pope Francis rested well overnight and woke up slightly after 8 a.m. this morning, according to a statement published on Wednesday morning by the Holy See Press Office.The Pope, this morning continued his treatment and respiratory physiotherapy. As planned, he transitioned from non-invasive mechanical ventilation at night to the high-flow oxygen therapy through nasal cannulas. Though within a complex framework, the Pope’s situation this morning seems stable.
The Pope is receiving treatment for bilateral pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. His overall clinical condition remains stable, including heart, kidney, and blood values.
On Tuesday evening, the Holy See Press Office, in its evening medical update on the Holy Father’s health noted that the Pope’s clinical condition remained stable during the day and that he did not experience episodes of respiratory failure or bronchospasm.
Moreover, it noted, the Pope did not run a fever, and remained alert, cooperative with therapies, and oriented.
Tuesday morning, he transitioned to high-flow oxygen therapy and underwent respiratory physiotherapy.
It explained that overnight on Tuesday, as scheduled, he would resume non-invasive mechanical ventilation until Wednesday morning, and that his prognosis remains guarded.
The Press Office also added that during the day, he had alternated between spending time in prayer and at rest, and received the Eucharist.
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