Friday Update: Day of rest and prayer for Pope Francis, whose condition remains stable
Vatican News 3/7/2025 1:30 p.m.
Pope Francis spent Friday, March 7, resting and in prayer while continuing his hospitalization at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he was admitted on February 14.
The Holy See Press Office provided an update on the Pope’s health on Friday evening, confirming that he is continuing his medical treatment, including respiratory physiotherapy. He alternates between non-invasive mechanical ventilation at night and high-flow oxygen therapy during the day via nasal cannula.
During the morning, the Pope spent about 20 minutes in prayer in the chapel on the tenth floor of the hospital, where his room is situated. Throughout the day, he also carried out some work-related activities.
Doctors say his health condition is stable within a still-complex overall picture. The prognosis remains guarded. As previously announced, no medical bulletin will be issued this evening due to the stability of his condition. However, a new medical update will be released tomorrow, Saturday, March 8.
Earlier in the morning, the Holy See Press Office also reported that Pope Francis had a restful night and woke up shortly after 8 a.m.
Press Office Director Matteo Bruni noted that it was the Pope himself who insisted on sending an audio message on Thursday evening at the beginning of the Rosary in St. Peter’s Square—an expression of gratitude for the many prayers and messages of support he has received during these 22 days of hospitalization.
The recitation of the Rosary continues this evening, with the twelfth gathering scheduled for 9 p.m. local time. It will be led by Cardinal Lazzaro Heung-sik You, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy.
In the Friday morning update on the Pope’s health, the Holy See Press Office reports Pope Francis had a restful night.
By Vatican News 3/7/2025 8:30 a.m.
“The Pope had a restful night and woke up shortly after 8:00,” the Holy See Press Office explained in a statement to journalists on Friday morning.
Pope Francis continued his prescribed therapy, including motor physiotherapy, this morning. He continues alternating mechanical ventilation at night and high-flow supplemental oxygen during the day with the use of nasal cannulae. The situation appears stable in the context of a complex picture.
On Thursday, Pope Francis’ condition remained stable, without “any episodes of respiratory insufficiency.” The Holy See Press Office stated that “given the stability of his clinical condition, the next medical bulletin will be issued on Saturday.” However, the Press Office will continue to provide brief updates on the Holy Father.
During the day on Thursday, the Pope continued with both his “respiratory and motor physiotherapy with beneficial effects” and did not have a fever. He also alternated between rest and work
Before the beginning of the nightly Rosary held in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis sent an audio message. In it, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude for all the prayers and expressions of closeness he has received. He extended a blessing to everyone and reminded them he is accompanying them from the hospital.
The Director of the Vatican Press Office, Matteo Bruni, clarified that it was the Pope’s personal wish for his audio message to be broadcast at the start of the Rosary in St. Peter’s Square last night. Pope Francis wanted to express his gratitude to everyone for the countless prayers offered on his behalf, through which he feels “carried” and supported by the entire People of God.
The Author
