Saturday Update: Pope Francis in hospital shows gradual, mild improvement
Vatican News 3/08/2025 2:00 p.m.
On Saturday evening, 8 March, the Holy See Press Office offered the following health update on Pope Francis:
The Holy Father’s clinical condition over the last few days has remained stable and, consequently, shows a good response to the therapies.
There is therefore a gradual, mild improvement.
The Holy Father has been without a fever at all times. Breathing gas exchange has improved; results from blood chemistry and blood count examinations are stable.
In order to monitor these initial improvements also in the coming days, the doctors prudently maintain that the prognosis is still guarded.
This morning, after receiving the Eucharist, the Holy Father prayed in the chapel of the private apartment, while in the afternoon he alternated between rest and work activities.
Pope Francis had a good night and continues to rest, according to the Holy See Press Office on Saturday morning.
By Vatican News 3/8/2025 8:00 a.m.
The Holy See Press Office released a brief statement on Saturday morning about the Pope’s health.
“The night passed quietly; the Pope is resting,” read the statement. During the morning, the Pope resumed the prescribed therapies, including motor physiotherapy.
On Sunday, Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, will read the Pope’s homily prepared for the Mass in St. Peter’s Square for the Jubilee of the World of Volunteering. The text of the noonday Angelus is expected to be released as on previous Sundays.
The Holy Father’s clinical condition has remained stable for the past few days as he receives treatment for bilateral pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
On Friday evening, the Press Office said the Pope spent the day alternating between prayer, rest, and work, as his respiratory physiotherapy continues.
“During the day, the Pope uses nasal cannulas for high-flow oxygenation, while at night he utilizes non-invasive mechanical ventilation,” it noted, adding that his “prognosis remains guarded.”
A more detailed medical update is expected to be released on Saturday evening.
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