Pope Francis’ health condition stable, urges continued prayers for peace

• Papal officials said Pope Francis remains stable but guarded as he recovers from double pneumonia. He has been in the hospital since Feb. 14.
• The Pope expressed gratitude for prayers and medical care and urged continued prayers for peace.
• Doctors report no signs of sepsis, with the infection currently confined to the respiratory tract.

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Pope Francis’ condition remains stable but guarded, the Holy See Press Office reported Sunday, March 2. “The Pope is still resting following a peaceful night,” the office said.

On Saturday, March 1, the press office informed journalists that the Pope no longer has a fever or shows signs of leukocytosis, a high white blood cell count. The Pope remains alert, oriented and in good humor, it added.

The Holy See released the pontiff’s Angelus as he continues his recovery from a Roman hospital. In his message, the Pope expressed gratitude for prayers and medical care, while urging continued prayers for peace. Reflecting on the day’s Gospel reading, he emphasized the importance of seeing others with charity and always speaking with goodness.

The Pope thanked the faithful for their closeness in his moment of frailty and urged them to continue praying for peace in the world, just as they pray for him.

“I feel all your affection and closeness, and at this particular time, I feel as if I am carried and supported by all God’s people. Thank you all,” he said.

The 88-year-old was admitted to a Roman hospital on Feb. 14, with difficulty breathing. He has since been diagnosed with double pneumonia.

Doctors initially reported Francis was fighting an infection caused by bacteria, virus and fungus in the respiratory tract, which later turned into pneumonia. As of now, doctors say there is no evidence the germs have entered his bloodstream, a condition known as sepsis that can lead to organ failure and death.