Pope Francis remains hospitalized for double pneumonia as health shows improvement

In Italy, Pope Francis marked the 12th anniversary of his papacy while continuing his hospitalization for double pneumonia, which has caused significant concern regarding his health. The 88-year-old pontiff has spent 28 consecutive days at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where he has been under treatment since February 14. His medical condition has shown signs of stabilization, with recent updates indicating that he is no longer in imminent danger of death, although the overall picture remains complex due to his age and historical lung issues. As part of his recovery, he has been engaging in physiotherapy and Lenten spiritual exercises to maintain his mental and spiritual well-being during this trying time. Despite his health complications, Pope Francis continues to receive well-wishes from the public and various church leaders. He celebrated his anniversary with staff in the hospital, receiving a cake to commemorate the occasion, although no public ceremonies are planned due to his condition. The Vatican has designated the anniversary date as a public holiday, with Masses planned in his honor at churches throughout Rome. The Catholic community closely monitors his health updates, demonstrating both concern and support amidst uncertainty about his ability to resume his full duties as Pope. The impact of Pope Francis's hospitalization has led some commentators to suggest that the Catholic Church may need to rethink the papacy's function in light of his ongoing health struggles. While opinions vary, experts indicate that a less dynamic approach may be adopted in the Catholic Church's leadership under Francis, as both health challenges and the aging population of church leaders influence governance. Still, Vatican sources affirm that the Pope remains mentally sharp and capable of leading, albeit likely with decreased travel and public engagements needed for health considerations. As the Pope continues his recovery, medical staff have expressed cautious optimism regarding his condition. Signs of improvement have been noted, including successful responses to treatment and ongoing physiotherapy. High-flow oxygen therapy and non-invasive mechanical ventilation are part of his treatment regimen, which indicates a focused effort on restoring his respiratory health. Nevertheless, there remains an underlying tension as the Vatican has not confirmed when he may leave the hospital, leaving many within the church and broader community to reflect on the significant legacy of his papacy and the challenges that may lie ahead.