Pope Francis Shows ‘Slight Improvement’ Amid Hospitalization in Mid-February
Pope Francis © Vatican
By Edward Francis Dalliah
Pope Francis' health has shown a glimmer of hope, as his condition has slightly improved during his hospitalization at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where he was admitted on 16th February 2025. The 88-year-old pontiff had initially been hospitalized for a respiratory infection, but his condition quickly worsened with more severe complications, including bilateral pneumonia and a polymicrobial respiratory infection.
In a period of deep concern for the global Catholic community, the latest update from the Vatican, delivered on the evening of 24th Monday February 2025, provided a sense of relief. Though earlier in the weekend, the Holy Father’s condition was deemed ‘critical’ after he “experienced an asthma-like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity, which required the administration of high-flow oxygen,” the Vatican has since reported a slight improvement in his health.
The most recent updates indicate that Pope Francis has not experienced any further respiratory crises. Additionally, it was reported that he participated in the Holy Mass alongside those who have been caring for him during these difficult days in the hospital.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, has served as the head of the Catholic Church since March 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. Upon assuming the papacy, he chose the name “Francis” in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has become renowned for his advocacy of peace in conflict zones, such as the Middle East and the war between Russia and Ukraine. His mission has also prominently focused on climate change, the care of migrants and refugees, and the fight against human trafficking, among other pressing global issues.
In his most recent message before his hospitalization, the Holy Father urged Catholics worldwide to pray for peace, emphasizing that “we are not born to kill but to help people grow.” He also expressed his support for the bishops of the United States, acknowledging their steadfast work in standing alongside migrants and refugees.
The Pope’s commitment to the situation of immigrants and refugees has been a central theme of his papacy. He has repeatedly called on wealthy nations to provide sanctuary and resources to those who have been displaced from their homelands or are in search of a better life. His advocacy has extended to bringing attention to the plight of refugees around the world.
One notable moment of Pope Francis' involvement in migration advocacy occurred on Sunday, 24th October 2021. During his Angelus prayer, Pope Francis expressed his deep concern for the thousands of migrants, refugees, and others in need of protection in Libya.
The Holy Father stated that “I never forget you; I hear your cries, and I pray for you. Many of these men, women, and children are subjected to inhuman violence. Once again, I call on the international community to keep its promises to seek common, concrete, and lasting solutions for the management of migratory flows in Libya and throughout the Mediterranean.”
He continued his message, calling on the authorities to “put an end to the return of migrants to unsafe countries and give priority to saving lives at sea, with predictable rescue and disembarkation devices, guaranteeing them decent living conditions, alternatives to detention, regular migration routes, and access to asylum procedures.”
As Pope Francis continues his recovery in the hospital, the Catholic community, along with well-wishers around the globe, continues to pray for his swift and complete healing.
