Pope Francis remains critically ill with double pneumonia but has shown “slight improvement,” the Vatican announced on Monday.
The 88-year-old pontiff is spending his 11th night at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, marking his longest hospitalization since becoming pope in 2013. While he still requires oxygen support, the Vatican noted a reduction in both flow and oxygen percentage. Additionally, the mild kidney insufficiency reported earlier is “not a cause for concern.”
Despite his condition, Pope Francis has resumed some work and even made a call to a Catholic parish in Gaza, continuing his outreach amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
His prolonged illness has sparked speculation among cardinals, with some discussing potential future leadership. However, Vatican officials have emphasized that now is a time for prayer, not speculation.
Meanwhile, daily prayer services for the pope are being held in St. Peter’s Square, with Catholics worldwide hoping for his swift recovery.