Sunday Update: Pope’s health remains stable amid slight improvements
By Vatican News 3/09/2025 1:55 p.m.
The Holy See Press Office provided an update on Pope Francis’ clinical condition on Sunday evening, noting that he followed the Spiritual Exercises of the Roman Curia via video link from Gemelli Hospital.
The Exercises began on Sunday afternoon in the Paul VI Hall and are being led by the Preacher of the Papal Household, Fr. Roberto Pasolini, OFM Cap. He joined spiritually with those participating.
In the morning, the Pope received a visit from Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and the Substitute for the Secretariat of State, Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra. He also attended Mass with those assisting him in these days.
The Pope continued his therapy, as well as respiratory and motor physiotherapy. He is following the prescribed diet, which now includes solid foods.
His condition appears stable, with slight gradual improvements, as stated in Saturday evening’s medical bulletin. However, the overall situation remains complex, prompting doctors to maintain a guarded prognosis.
Tonight, following the high-flow oxygenation with nasal cannulas during the day, the Pope will again transition to non-invasive mechanical ventilation, as planned.
A medical bulletin is expected to be released on Monday evening, as it was not published on Sunday due to the stability of his clinical condition.
Earlier in the day, the Pope had released the text of his Angelus address, in which he thanked the doctors and nurses caring for him.
He also prayed for the many people around the world who are enduring illness, saying those who care for them are signs of the Lord’s presence.
“During my prolonged hospitalization here,” he said, “I too experience the thoughtfulness of service and the tenderness of care, in particular from the doctors and healthcare workers, whom I thank from the bottom of my heart.”
Pope Francis continues to rest on Sunday morning, 9 March, following a peaceful night. The medical update yesterday evening reported that his clinical condition is showing a good response to therapy.
By Vatican News 3/9/2025 830 a.m.
The Holy See Press Office has reported that, “overnight was quiet and the Pope is resting.” The message came on Sunday morning, 9 March, regarding Pope Francis, who has been receiving care at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since 14 February.
The Press Office also said Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and the Substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, visited the hospital to see the Pope.
They updated him on certain situations in the Church and the world, along with other work-related activities.
A medical bulletin is not expected to be released on Sunday evening, given the stability of the clinical condition, though the Holy See Press Office will provide information to journalists.
Saturday evening update
Saturday evening’s health update from the Holy See Press Office noted that “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 statement also mentioned that the Pope has not had a fever, respiratory gas exchange has improved, and results from blood work are stable.
At the same time, “the doctors prudently maintain that the prognosis is still guarded,” as they will continue to monitor these initial improvements over the coming days.
On Sunday morning in Saint Peter’s Square, Cardinal Michael Czerny read the Pope’s homily prepared for the Mass for the Jubilee of the World of Volunteers being celebrated, while the Pope’s midday Angelus address was distributed as on previous Sundays.
During the afternoon, the Pope will follow the spiritual exercises that will begin in the Paul VI Hall in the Vatican to be in spiritual communion with the Roman Curia.
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