Pope Francis No Longer in Danger, But Doctors Extend Hospital Stay

The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized for three weeks after developing bilateral pneumonia.

Pope Francis on the day he led the Vespers prayer service to celebrate the conversion of St. Paul, at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome on Jan. 25, 2025. Yara Nardi/Reuters

Pope Francis’ condition has improved significantly in recent days, the Vatican announced March 10, adding that while doctors no longer consider him to be in immediate danger due to pneumonia, they are opting to keep him hospitalized for continued treatment.

“The clinical condition of the Holy Father remains stable,” the Holy See Press Office said in a statement. “The improvements recorded in previous days have been further consolidated, as confirmed by both blood tests and clinical findings, as well as by the Pope’s good response to pharmacological therapy.”