Pope Francis Continues Work from Hospital as Health Worsens

Pope Francis Holds Key Vatican Meeting from Hospital Bed Amid Ongoing Health Crisis

Vatican City, February 25, 2025 — Pope Francis, currently receiving treatment at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, met with senior Vatican officials on Tuesday to address important ongoing issues, despite his critical condition.

The 88-year-old pontiff is spending his 12th day at the hospital, marking the longest hospital stay of his nearly 12-year papacy. Despite his double pneumonia diagnosis, which remains a severe concern, Vatican officials reported that Pope Francis is eating normally, moving around his room, and continuing with his medical treatment.

"The pope rested well through the night," stated the Vatican in a brief statement, without offering further details on his condition.

According to a Vatican source who spoke on the condition of anonymity, Pope Francis has managed to engage in work activities during his hospital stay. On Monday, he held meetings with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, his second-in-command, and Parolin's deputy. The discussions focused on pending sainthood cases and new Vatican appointments, which require papal approval.

Pope Francis has continued to work from the hospital as Vatican operations proceed without delay. He is reportedly in critical condition but has shown a "slight improvement," with a minor kidney issue being flagged earlier in the weekend. However, the Vatican reassured that this kidney insufficiency is not considered a significant cause for concern.

On February 19, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paid a visit to the pope, marking his only known VIP visit so far.

While Pope Francis remains vulnerable to lung infections due to a history of pleurisy and a prior lung surgery, the current pneumonia, described as "complex" and caused by multiple microorganisms, has made his breathing difficult. His medical team is closely monitoring his condition.

In St. Peter's Square, thousands gathered on Monday evening to offer prayers for his recovery. Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga, a close friend of the pope, expressed optimism, stating in an interview with La Repubblica, "I believe it's not yet time for him to go to heaven."

Earlier in February, Pope Francis had signaled that he was battling a cold, which led him to forgo reading speeches. Despite his health issues, the pope continued with his engagements, meeting daily with individuals and even leading open-air Masses, despite the cold weather.

Some critics have suggested that Pope Francis should take better care of his health, but Maradiaga defended his relentless work ethic, explaining, "He knows he has a mission to fulfill, and nothing can stop him. The pope accepted the role not to rest, but to serve."

The Vatican is expected to release another medical update later this evening, around 7 p.m. (1800 GMT).