'Slight Improvement' in Pope's Condition

| 02/24/2025

The Holy See Press Office provided an update on the Pope’s health: no new episodes of asthma-like respiratory distress; a slight reduction in oxygen flow and levels; and improved test results

Bishop Claudio Giuliodori, the ecclesiastical assistant to the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, which includes Rome's Gemelli hospital, celebrates Mass and leads prayers for Pope Francis in the hospital chapel on February 24, 2025.
Bishop Claudio Giuliodori, the ecclesiastical assistant to the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, which includes Rome's Gemelli hospital, celebrates Mass and leads prayers for Pope Francis in the hospital chapel on February 24, 2025. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

On Sunday evening, the Holy See Press Office provided the following update on Pope Francis’ health: 

“The Holy Father’s clinical condition, despite its severity, has shown a slight improvement.

“No episodes of asthma-like respiratory distress occurred today, and some laboratory tests have shown improvement. The monitoring of his mild kidney insufficiency has not raised any concerns. Oxygen therapy continues, although with slightly reduced flow and oxygen levels.

“Given the complexity of the clinical picture, the doctors are prudently maintaining their cautious prognosis.

“In the morning, the Pope received the Eucharist, while in the afternoon, he resumed his work.

“In the evening, he called the parish priest of Gaza to express his paternal closeness.

“Pope Francis thanks the entire People of God, who in these days have gathered to pray for his health.”

Sr. Constance Gaynor, FSP, devoted seven decades to serving the vulnerable as a social worker, administrator, and author of her congregation’s history. A founding member of the Franciscan Sisters of Peace, she led children’s homes, directed the Religious Leaders Program at Notre Dame, and taught English to immigrants well into her 90s.

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