Pope Francis Updates Health Status and Adjusts Schedule
Updates from Vatican briefings indicate Pope Francis is in good health overall. He shows no fever and his breathing is improving after a recent lung inflammation episode that caused him to miss at Sunday’s Angelus in St. Peter’s Square.
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni described the pope as stable, fever-free, and showing clear signs of respiratory improvement. A CT scan performed the previous Saturday confirmed that pneumonia had not developed.
Today, the pope received the president of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, at the Vatican. Vatican sources note a notably quiet atmosphere at Casa Santa Marta during the encounter, a rarity for such visits.
In a subsequent briefing, Bruni confirmed that the CT scan ruled out pneumonia but indicated lingering lung inflammation contributing to breathing difficulty. For enhanced care, a cannula with a needle was used to deliver intravenous antibiotics, a measure aimed at supporting recovery and reducing symptoms.
The spokesman added that to support a full recovery, several important commitments scheduled for the coming days have been postponed. This allows the pope to devote essential time and energy to his health. Other engagements will be rescheduled or managed in alternative ways to preserve institutional duties without placing excessive demands on him.
Given the current health status, organizers and officials are recalibrating the calendar. It remains unclear which events will proceed in the near term. Tomorrow includes a meeting with Spanish bishops and a planned trip to Dubai, ahead of the COP 28 climate summit scheduled for early December, spanning Friday through Sunday.
Francis spoke during a live Angelus on Vatican television, explaining that he could not look out the window that day due to the pneumonia. The remarks followed the cancellation of Saturday commitments because of a mild flu, as noted by Vatican communications.
Images from the day showed the pope with medical ports visible on his right hand during a moment of prayer from the chapel altar. The visuals highlighted the careful monitoring of his health while balancing routine duties with prudent medical care.
Earlier in the week, the Vatican announced the cancellation of a planned audience due to a mild flu. The brief notice underscored the need to protect the pope during convalescence. A subsequent CT scan at Gemelli Isola hospital in Rome was reported negative for lung complications, and the pope returned to Casa Santa Marta under medical guidance.
In summary, the latest medical updates emphasize careful observation, targeted treatment for lung inflammation, and a flexible approach to the papal schedule. The Vatican has consistently stated that the pope’s health remains the priority and that a steady path to full recovery is being pursued. Plans continue to adapt to administrative duties and public obligations as his condition evolves. Medical professionals and Vatican officials are maintaining transparent communications to reassure followers worldwide while respecting the pope’s wellness needs and the ongoing responsibilities of the Holy See. The situation is being closely watched by health experts and church staff with a focus on safe, gradual recovery.