Pope Francis has been hospitalized at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome since February 14 due to a lung infection. According to a statement from the Press Office of the Holy See published in Vatican News, doctors conducted new analyses that revealed the pontiff remains stable and has shown slight improvement in inflammatory markers.
In an update provided by the Holy See on February 19, it was reported that Pope Francis received a visit from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, with whom he had a private conversation for 20 minutes after lunch and receiving the Eucharist. Despite his hospitalization, the Pope chose to meet with Meloni and appeared alert and responsive during their encounter.
Giorgia Meloni commented that during her visit to the pontiff, she perceived that Pope Francis was in good spirits and joked with her, showing his characteristic sense of humor despite his health condition. The Pope has been dealing with a polymicrobial infection in the respiratory tract associated with bronchitis.
The Press Office of the Holy See reported that blood tests show slight improvement in inflammatory markers and that the clinical condition of the Holy Father remains stable. After breakfast, Pope Francis read some newspapers and worked with his closest collaborators. Before lunch, he received the Eucharist.
