The Vatican

Pope's health: optimism but not yet out of danger

Doctors treating Pope Francis have reported that the Pontiff is responding to treatment but is not yet out of danger and will have to remain in hospital for another week.

Paloma López Campos-February 21, 2025-Reading time: < 1 minute
Pope Francis

Pope Francis greets during a general audience (CNS photo / Lola Gomez)

Doctors attending Pope Francis have informed the media that the Pontiff is not yet out of danger and will have to remain in hospital for another week. However, they have clarified that the Holy Father is responding to treatment and is not connected to any machines but that, due to his age and the disease he suffers from, he cannot yet be discharged from the hospital.

The Pope's medical report was released at a press conference attended by the doctors who are treating Francis. The Gemelli hospital team affirms that the Holy Father is not in danger of death and that he has even left his room to go to the chapel to pray, but his condition remains delicate.

Rumors about the Pope's condition

This appearance came on the same day that rumors about the Pontiff's health have increased. Andrea Tornielli, Editorial Director of Vatican Communication, has spoken out on social networks in this regard noting that "the communiqués issued so far by the Vatican Press Room have been prepared and agreed upon with the doctors attending Francis. They have provided all the useful and necessary information, without hiding anything, also because that is what the Pope wants. Everything else is hearsay".

Among these rumors, the one published by an Italian media outlet, according to which Cardinals Gianfranco Ghirlanda and Pietro Parolin had visited Pope Francis in the hospital, has gained special relevance. The Vatican Press Office has denied the information, assuring that no such meeting has taken place.

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