Vatican Says Pope Francis Is ‘Improving Slightly’ as Cardinals Acknowledge Resignation Is Possible

Vatican Says Pope Francis Is ‘Improving Slightly’ as Cardinals Acknowledge Resignation Is Possible
People walk in front of the main entrance of the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, where the Pontiff is hospitalized since Friday, Feb. 14. Andrew Medichini/AP Photo
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ROME—Pope Francis’ overall clinical condition is “improving slightly” and his heart is working well as he battles pneumonia, the Vatican said Thursday, as some of his cardinals cheered him on and insisted that the Catholic Church was very much alive and well even in his absence.

In a late update, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said Francis has no fever and that his key heart parameters “continue to be stable.”