Vatican officials provided an update on Pope Francis’ health on Wednesday, stating that he remains “stable” after being diagnosed with double pneumonia the previous day. The Holy See Press Office confirmed that tests showed slight improvement, particularly in inflammatory markers.
During the day, the Pope continued his work with his closest collaborators and received a visit from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The Prime Minister’s office reported that she wished the Pope a speedy recovery during their 20-minute meeting.
“I am very pleased to have found him alert and responsive,” Meloni said. “We joked as always. He has not lost his well-known sense of humor.”
A papal aide responded to earlier rumors about the Pope’s health, confirming that he is stable and undergoing treatment for a multi-bacterial infection. Fr. Antonio Spadaro SJ, a close aide to the Pope, assured the public that the treatment appears effective and that the Pope’s condition is not worsening. He also noted that the Pope does not have a fever and has been in contact with the Holy Family Parish in Gaza.
“The Pope is stable,” Fr. Spadaro said. “He has no fever, and yesterday he called the parish in Gaza. He is doing well.”
On Thursday, the Vatican shared that the Pope had a restful night, had breakfast, and was able to sit up in an armchair.
Around the world, churches are holding prayers for Pope Francis’ recovery. The Argentine bishops’ conference called on local communities to pray for the Pope’s health, while in the UK, Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Westminster also urged Catholics to offer prayers during a Mass in Liverpool.
