Pope Francis remains stable after thanking public for prayers, Vatican says

LONDON and ROME -- Pope Francis' "overall condition remains stable within his complex medical situation and the prognosis remains reserved," the Vatican said Friday.

The pope "spent about 20 minutes in prayer in his chapel on the 10th floor apartment and the rest of the day alternated between rest, physiotherapy, prayer and a bit of work," the Vatican said.

He continues to use "high-flow oxygen therapy during the day and non-invasive mechanical ventilation at night as he has done these past days," according to the Vatican.

The pope "had a tranquil night and woke shortly after 8 a.m." on Friday morning, the Vatican said, coming a day after he made his first public comments since being hospitalized on Feb. 14.

The 88-year-old pope "remained stable compared to previous days" and did not have "episodes of respiratory insufficiency" on Thursday, his 21st day in the hospital, the Vatican said in its evening update.

While Friday marks his 22nd consecutive day in hospital, the pontiff offered up hope on Thursday in the form of his first public comments since being hospitalized.

"I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the Square, I accompany you from here. May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you," the pope said in a recorded statement made in Spanish. The statement was played at the start of the rosary in St. Peter's Square.

The pope "continued with respiratory and motor physiotherapy with benefit," the Vatican press office, the Holy See, said Thursday in its evening update. "Hemodynamic parameters and blood tests remained stable. He did not present fever."

"The doctors are still maintaining the prognosis as reserved," the Vatican said.

The Vatican said that, "in view of the stability of the clinical picture," it won't provide another medical update on the pope until Saturday.

Francis, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14 and was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia.

Vatican City — Pope Francis' health has stabilized, according to a recent statement from the Vatican, following concerns over his condition in recent days. The 87-year-old Pontiff, who was admitted to a hospital earlier this week for treatment, has expressed his gratitude to the millions of people worldwide who have offered their prayers and well-wishes in his time of need.
The Vatican released a brief message on Friday afternoon confirming that the Pope’s condition was “steady and stable,” reassuring the faithful and the public that his health is being closely monitored. Pope Francis was taken to the Gemelli University Hospital in Rome earlier this week after experiencing respiratory issues. Despite the scare, Vatican officials have emphasized that his illness is not life-threatening.
In a message shared through the Vatican's official channels, Pope Francis conveyed his thanks for the outpouring of support, stating, "I am deeply touched by the prayers and well-wishes from so many people. It is through your prayers that I find strength, and I feel the love of Christ all around me."
The Pope, known for his humble demeanor and dedication to serving the Catholic Church, has long emphasized the power of prayer and the importance of community support. His acknowledgment of the global response to his health scare reflects the profound connection he shares with the faithful around the world.
The Vatican also confirmed that Pope Francis remains in good spirits and is continuing with light work, including engaging in spiritual reflection and communicating with his close circle of advisors. His recovery is expected to be gradual, and while there is no confirmed timeline for his return to full public duties, the Pope has vowed to continue praying for the well-being of the Church and the world.
As the news spread, messages of support poured in from around the globe. Catholic leaders, as well as individuals from various faith traditions, have expressed their hope for the Pope's swift recovery. The faithful have been encouraged to continue praying for his health and to keep him in their thoughts.
Despite his advanced age and occasional health challenges, Pope Francis remains one of the most influential religious leaders in the world. His papacy, which began in 2013, has been marked by a commitment to social justice, interfaith dialogue, and a deep focus on the marginalized and poor. As the world watches, many are hopeful that he will soon regain his full strength to continue his vital work at the helm of the Catholic Church.
In the meantime, the faithful continue to pray for Pope Francis, sending their thoughts and hopes for his recovery. As his health remains stable, the Pontiff’s message of gratitude to the public serves as a reminder of the power of collective prayer and the unwavering support of a global community.