Pope Francis is the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. He has always been a leader who defies expectations. Whether speaking on global issues, embracing the marginalised, or cracking a joke despite his own struggles. But recent weeks have placed his health in the spotlight once again, sparking global concern and speculation.
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Since his hospitalisation on 14 February 2025, updates on his condition have shifted back and forth, between hopeful and worrisome—leaving a lot of uncertainty around what the future holds.
As the Vatican continues to release statements about his condition, millions are watching and praying for his recovery. Let’s take a closer look at what we know so far about Pope Francis' current state.
Pope Francis’ health update, why was he admitted to the hospital?
Pope Francis, 88, who has surprising funeral plans, has been hospitalised since 14 February 2025 at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital due to respiratory complications. Initially admitted for bronchitis, his condition worsened, leading to a diagnosis of double pneumonia. The Vatican confirmed that he was experiencing a 'multipronged infection' in his respiratory tract, requiring extensive medical care, according to Sky News.
On Saturday, 22 February, the Vatican reported that the Pope’s condition had deteriorated, describing it as a 'prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis' that necessitated high-flow oxygen support. Doctors also discovered thrombocytopenia, a condition associated with low platelet count and anaemia, requiring blood transfusions, reports Aljazeera. The prognosis remains 'reserved,' marking a significant shift in tone regarding his recovery.
The Vatican statement said on Saturday:
The Holy Father's condition continues to be critical…presented with a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis.
The statement continued:
The Holy Father continues to be vigilant and spent the day in an armchair even though he was suffering more than yesterday. At the moment the prognosis is reserved.
Earlier updates from Friday, 21 February, had already suggested that Pope Francis was 'not out of danger,' though his medical team had stopped short of declaring an immediate threat to his life. Sergio Alfieri, the chief of the pontiff's medical team, said:
Is he out of danger? No. But if the question is 'is he in danger of death', the answer is 'no'.
His condition worsened over the weekend, prompting Vatican officials to issue a rarely used statement, warning that his health remained fragile.
Despite his severe health struggles, Pope Francis has continued to fulfil some of his papal duties. Just two days after his hospital admission, he made video calls to Reverend Gabriel Romanelli and Father Yusuf Asad, priests from Gaza’s only Catholic Church. Romanelli said:
The Holy Father called us the first two days of hospitalisation, people were waiting at 8pm Gaza time as always.
Although we had a blackout in the whole area of Gaza City, he insisted and managed to contact us with a video call.
Reports indicate that he has been vigilant and responsive, even spending time in an armchair rather than remaining bedridden. However, he has missed two consecutive Sunday Angelus prayers, a rare occurrence in his 12-year tenure.
What is the most recent update on Pope’s health?
As of Monday, 25 February, the Vatican confirmed that the Pope remains in a critical condition, but provided a slightly more hopeful message. Officials stated that 'the night went well,' and that the Pope 'slept and is resting,’ as per a recent report by BBC. The Monday morning statement said:
The night went well, the Pope slept and is resting.
His thrombocytopenia appears to be stable, and he has shown no further respiratory crises. However, concerns over his kidney function persist, as mild signs of kidney failure were detected over the weekend.
Despite these challenges, the Vatican reported that Francis remains in good humour and is eating normally. On Sunday, 24 February, he issued a statement asking Catholics to pray for him.
In response to his plea, Catholic leaders have organised prayer gatherings outside St Peter’s Basilica. On Monday, cardinals, Vatican clergy, and members of the Diocese of Rome gathered to recite the rosary for his recovery. These gatherings will now continue every evening until further notice. The first prayer service was led by Cardinal Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state.
While Pope Francis has remained engaged with key Vatican affairs, his ability to resume full duties remains uncertain. Reports suggest that there has been no formal discussion about resignation, though speculation continues given his recent health struggles and previous confirmation that he has a prepared resignation letter should he become incapacitated.
A look into Pope Francis’ previous health issues
Pope Francis has endured a series of health challenges throughout his life, many of which have contributed to his current condition. His health history is extensive, ranging from respiratory complications in his youth to more recent struggles with mobility and internal ailments. Let’s take a look at his past health issues.
Respiratory issues
Pope Francis has faced a series of serious respiratory and lung issues over the years. In 1957, at the age of 21, he suffered from pleurisy, leading to a partial lung removal, which left him with lifelong respiratory vulnerabilities. In 2023, he was hospitalized with acute pneumonia and bronchitis, with his pre-existing lung issues complicating his recovery. Later that year, a CT scan revealed lung inflammation, causing him to cancel his trip to COP28.
Mobility challenges
In addition to respiratory issues, Pope Francis has experienced frequent falls and mobility challenges. In December 2024, he fell at his residence, sustaining a bruised chin, followed by another fall in January 2025 that resulted in an arm injury. Since 2022, chronic knee pain has frequently required him to use a wheelchair or walker, significantly impacting his ability to travel and fulfill public duties. Additionally, he has suffered from chronic back and nerve pain, notably sciatica, which affected his mobility.
Other surgeries
Pope Francis has also undergone multiple abdominal and colon surgeries, beginning with the removal of 33 cm of his intestine in July 2021 due to diverticulitis—a digestive condition that affects the large intestine. In June 2023, he required a hernia repair surgery, leading to a nine-day hospital stay. He has since experienced recurring intestinal issues, prompting careful monitoring of his digestive health.
This article has been created with the help of AI.
Read more:
Pope Francis: Does the leader of the catholic church earn a salary?
Pope Francis breaks major tradition as he is set to turn 87, here are his surprising funeral plans
Pope Francis and Cardinal Burke: Everything you need to know about their bitter feud
Sources used:
Sky News: Pope in critical condition and receiving blood transfusions after respiratory crisis, Vatican says
BBC: Pope critical but ‘in good humour’ in hospital
Aljazeera: Pope Francis health: A timeline and what we know so far
USA Today: Pope Francis remains hospitalised. Here’s a look at the pontiff’s long medical history
