Vatican City, February 20, 2025 – Pope Francis will not appear in public on Sunday to lead his customary prayer with pilgrims, marking the second consecutive week of absence, the Vatican announced on Saturday.
The decision comes as the pontiff remains hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he has been receiving treatment for double pneumonia since February 14 after experiencing several days of breathing difficulties.
In a brief statement, the Vatican noted that the pope had “rested well” overnight, though it did not specify whether he had risen or taken breakfast, as had been reported in previous updates. Instead of the usual live recitation of the Sunday Angelus prayer, the Holy See press office said that the text would be published.
Doctors have described the pope’s condition as “complex,” with his double pneumonia caused by two or more micro-organisms—a serious infection that can inflame and scar the lungs, impairing breathing. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, a senior member of the Gemelli staff, stated, “The pope is not out of danger. The situation could go either way.”
While his medical team has assured that the condition is not currently life-threatening, the pope’s continued absence from public duties underscores the severity of his illness. The Vatican’s latest announcement comes as the papacy navigates the challenges of his ongoing treatment and recovery.
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Catholic faithful gathered in Vatican City on Saturday (February 22) to pray for Pope Francis as he continues receiving treatment for double pneumonia. Concerns over his health persist, though doctors assure there is no immediate life-threatening risk.
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The Vatican reports Pope Francis is stable and improving while being treated for double pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The 88-year-old Pontiff remains under medical care as Catholics worldwide pray for his recovery.
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Pope Francis has developed bilateral pneumonia, further complicating his treatment for a respiratory infection, the Vatican said on Tuesday. All public events through Sunday have been cancelled, as the 88-year-old pontiff remains in hospital for ongoing care.
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