Pope Francis is showing improvement, the Vatican said, as the pontiff began his eighth day in hospital. Francis was admitted after struggling with breathing and is being treated for pneumonia.
Pope Francis is showing signs of improvement, remains alert, and has been doing some work, the Vatican said, as the 88-year-old pontiff marked his eighth day in the hospital battling pneumonia. He is being treated at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after experiencing breathing difficulties for several days.
In a brief update, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the pope had slept well overnight and was able to eat breakfast. A Vatican official, speaking on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to discuss the pope’s condition, added that Francis was breathing on his own without the assistance of any machines. The pope has also been able to move around his hospital room, take phone calls, and continue working on paperwork.
News of Francis’ improvement was met with relief from many Catholics visiting Rome. “When we heard the news, we were very happy that his health was improving,” said Salerina, a tourist from London. “But, you know, I feel ashamed because one of our purposes when we come here is to see the pope, and then we hear how, you know, he's good, but I feel sorry for him. But at the same time, I'm happy that he's improving.”
Others emphasized the importance of prayer over speculation about the pope’s future. “I think it is a time for all Catholics to pray for the pope,” said Father Giumarc, a priest from Brazil. “He’s 88, there is the frailty of age, but we must pray for him and the good of the Church. Speculation at this time is not good.”
Despite his recovery, questions about Francis’ long-term health remain. On February 20, a retired Catholic cardinal suggested that his fragile condition could prompt him to resign, following the precedent set by his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI. However, Francis has repeatedly dismissed this possibility, calling it only a “distant hypothesis” as recently as 2024. Church law also stipulates that any papal resignation must be “freely and properly manifested,” meaning a pope’s decision to step down cannot be influenced by external pressure.
Known for maintaining a demanding schedule, sometimes holding dozens of meetings a day, Vatican officials anticipate that his latest health crisis may lead him to slow down his pace.
A new artificial intelligence data centre in Armenia could be used for Western intelligence purposes, including against Russia, according to Russia...
Syria is carefully considering providing...
Scientists, astronauts and space industry leaders gathered in Antalya, Türkiye, on Thursday for the fourth day of the 77th International ...
Russia struck Ukraine overnight in one of the biggest attacks of the conflict, killing at least 19 people, Kyiv's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. Around 70 missiles were fired at Ukraine during the attack, as well as drones, the Ministry said.
The Saudi-led coalition says it has carried out a series of military operations against Houthi targets in Yemen after attacks on two Saudi airports left three people dead and dozens injured.
Azerbaijan and the five Central Asian states have signed two key documents at the 8th Consultative Meeting of Heads of State in Turkmenbashi, formalising a broader framework for regional cooperation in transport, trade, energy, digitalisation and security.
An investigation into August Hanning, the former head of Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND), has no connection to Azerbaijan, informed sources have told AnewZ.
It started with classrooms. Too many students, not enough teachers, deteriorating buildings and growing anxiety over what comes after high school. But within weeks, a movement that began outside French lycées had spread across the country.
A new artificial intelligence data centre in Armenia could be used for Western intelligence purposes, including against Russia, according to Russia's Security Council.
Scientists, astronauts and space industry leaders gathered in Antalya, Türkiye, on Thursday for the fourth day of the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC). Designated as “Science and Academy Day,” discussions focused on the challenges of expanding human activities beyond Earth.
Spanish politicians traded blame on Thursday after the death of an 87-year-old woman who was evicted from her Madrid home exacerbated heated debates over housing ahead of an early election next month, as protests raged on across the country.
The Nobel Peace Prize 2026 will be announced on Friday, 9 October, bringing one of the world's most closely watched awards back into focus.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Thursday 8 October, that Yerevan will discuss the possible construction of railway connections with the Turkish city of Kars and the Azerbaijani city of Nakhchivan with Russian officials next week, according to local media.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment