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Pope Francis remains in stable condition at Rome's Gemelli hospital, according to a medical bulletin released by the Vatican on March 2. The 88-year-old pontiff is receiving high-flow oxygen therapy but does not require non-invasive mechanical ventilation. Despite the absence of fever, his prognosis is described as guarded due to the complexity of his clinical picture.
The pope experienced an "isolated crisis of bronchospasm" on February 28, which led to vomiting and subsequent concerns about potential infection. However, no signs of infection such as fever or elevated white blood cell count have been observed.
During his hospitalization, Pope Francis participated in Mass with those caring for him and alternated between rest and prayer. He expressed gratitude for the prayers he has received from around the world and shared a reflection on finding blessings in frailty. "I feel in my heart the 'blessing' that is hidden within frailty," he stated, emphasizing trust in God during challenging times.
The pope also conveyed appreciation for his medical team and extended prayers for global peace, mentioning specific regions including Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and Kivu in eastern Congo.
Outside the hospital, young people and members of the House of Mary gathered to recite the Angelus prayer near a statue of St. John Paul II. Among them was Giuseppe Perazzo who encouraged Pope Francis to heed medical advice. A couple from India joined others in praying for the pope's recovery.
Vatican officials Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra visited Pope Francis at the hospital. Meanwhile, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski was set to lead a rosary prayer for him in St. Peter’s Square later that day.
