Pope back in his chair: condition remains critical, but Francis is still working

By Christoph Sator

Rome (Italy) - According to those close to Pope Francis, he has partially resumed his work despite his continuing critical condition in hospital. The 88-year-old head of the Catholic Church spent a "quiet night", a spokesman said in the morning.

In June of last year, Pope Francis was still on the move, speaking at the G7 summit in Bari, Italy, among other places.
In June of last year, Pope Francis was still on the move, speaking at the G7 summit in Bari, Italy, among other places.  © Michael Kappeler/dpa

It was later reported that Francis is now continuing his therapy from an armchair. This includes receiving additional oxygen via a tube through his nose. He is eating normally.

The results of the latest computer tomography scan that the Pope underwent will probably be published in the evening. It is hoped that this will shed light on the further course of the severe pneumonia and also on the chances of recovery.

On Tuesday evening, the Vatican stated in a health bulletin: "The Holy Father's clinical condition remains critical but stable." Since the weekend, he has had no further attacks of breathlessness.

Doctors have actually prescribed strict rest for the head of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.

Pope Francis is now the second oldest pope in history

Pope Francis has been in the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome since February 14. Prayers are being said for the head of the Catholic Church outside the hospital.
Pope Francis has been in the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome since February 14. Prayers are being said for the head of the Catholic Church outside the hospital.  © Andrew Medichini/AP/dpa

According to the doctors treating him, Francis has instructed that no secret should be made of his state of health.

No one currently has high hopes of a speedy return to the Vatican. In the meantime, the Pope has been away from the center of power of the Catholic Church for longer than ever before: during his longest hospital stay to date after intestinal surgery in 2021, he was able to return on the twelfth day.

All appointments have now been canceled until further notice. In two weeks' time - on March 13 - it will be twelve years since Francis was elected. He is now the second oldest pope in history.

People around the world are praying for Francis - in St. Peter's Square now every evening with a rosary.