After his long hospitalization for double pneumonia and a polymicrobial respiratory infection, the Holy Father is resting and healing back at the Vatican.Lenten Campaign 2025
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In recent days, Pope Francis had an x-ray examination that showed a “slight improvement” in the clinical state of his lung infection, the Holy See Press Office reported on April 1, 2025. Since the Pope returned to his residence on March 23 after 38 days in hospital, the Vatican has been giving updates twice a week. There’s still uncertainty about any public appearances by the 88-year-old pontiff, who is currently convalescing. Doctors recommended that he take at least two months of rest.
Stable with slight improvement
The Pope's state of health remains “stable,” the Vatican said on Tuesday. Blood tests carried out in recent days have shown “normal results” and a “slight improvement” has been noted from a lung x-ray. The Argentine pontiff spent five weeks at the Gemelli Hospital for polymicrobial respiratory infection and double pneumonia.
From his residence at Santa Marta, the Pope continues his motor and respiratory physiotherapy, showing progress in the recovery of his voice. At a press conference the day before his release from the hospital, his doctors explained that his “respiratory muscles” had been damaged. The Pope, they reported, had “slightly” lost his voice but he will regain it “little by little.”
Also according to the Vatican, Francis still uses high-flow oxygen at night through nasal cannulas. He uses a less intense device during the day, and can also go without oxygen “for short periods of time.” The aim is to gradually reduce the use of these aids.
In good spirits but taking it slow
During these days of rest, the Pope is not receiving official visitors. However, he is devoting himself to his work, sitting at his desk part of the time. He concelebrates Mass in the chapel on the second floor of his residence — the same floor as his apartment. His mood is “good,” the Vatican reports.
According to Doctor Sergio Alfieri, coordinator of the Gemelli team that treated the Pope, he has made “truly surprising improvement” since his return to the Vatican. “I find him very dynamic,” he told AP after visiting him last Wednesday.
Stating that the pontiff's voice had regained its vigor and that his need for oxygen had decreased, the surgeon estimated that the pontiff could regain “if not 100%, then 90% of his initial condition.”
