Wed Feb 26 01:48:11 UTC 2025: ## Pope Francis Working from Hospital, Condition Remains Critical But Stable
**Rome, February 26, 2025** – Pope Francis, 88, remains in critical but stable condition at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, battling double pneumonia. Despite his serious illness, the Vatican announced Tuesday that the Pope continued to work from his hospital room, making significant governing decisions.
The Vatican released a statement confirming that the Pope’s blood parameters were stable and he experienced no new respiratory crises. He underwent a follow-up CAT scan on Tuesday evening to assess his lung infection. While results were not released, doctors described his prognosis as guarded. The Pope resumed work activities Tuesday morning after receiving communion, according to the Vatican.
Amongst his actions, Pope Francis met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s “Prime Minister,” and Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra on Monday – the first known outsider to visit since Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni’s visit on February 19th. During this meeting, the Pope approved decrees for two new saints and five beatifications, and convened a consistory to schedule future canonizations.
While the Vatican has stated that Pope Francis has been working from the hospital, signing documents, the urgency of these decisions during his critical condition has raised questions. The timing drew parallels to Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation announcement during a similar consistory in 2013.
Speculation about Pope Francis’ potential resignation has increased since his hospitalization, but Vatican officials, including Cardinal Parolin, have dismissed such talk as premature, emphasizing the importance of focusing on his health. The Pope himself has previously indicated he would consider resigning if a long-term debilitating condition prevented him from fulfilling his duties. He has written a letter of resignation to be invoked if he becomes medically incapacitated, and has stated his preference to reside outside the Vatican if he were to step down.
Despite the gravity of his situation, Pope Francis also released his message for Lent and appointed new bishops and an archbishop. Many believe these decisions were likely planned beforehand, but the actions serve to demonstrate the Pope’s continued engagement in his duties.
Prayers for the Pope’s recovery are being offered worldwide, both by the Catholic faithful and ordinary citizens. While some express concern and speculate about his future, others express unwavering support and hope for his recovery.
First Piper 