Pray for Our Holy Father: A Timeline of Pope Francis’ Health and Recovery

Vatican City, March 23, 2025 – The Catholic Church worldwide gives thanks as His Holiness Pope Francis has been discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment since February 14 for bilateral pneumonia and respiratory complications. After 38 days of hospitalisation, the 88-year-old Pontiff has now returned to Casa Santa Marta at the Vatican, where he will continue his recovery under close medical supervision. Though his condition remains delicate, signs of gradual improvement bring hope and continued prayer from the faithful across the globe.

**A Timeline of Pope Francis’ Health Crisis (Latest Updates First)**

March 23, 2025

Pope Francis discharged from Gemelli Hospital after 38 days of hospitalisation for bilateral pneumonia and related health complications.

Pope Francis gives a thumbsup gesture from his window at Gemelli Hospital in Rome during his first public appearance in weeks on Sunday, March 23, 2025. | Credit: Screenshot/Vatican Media

Made a brief visit to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas laid flowers on his behalf before the icon of Virgin Salus Populi Romani.
Returned to his residence at Casa Santa Marta, Vatican.
Appeared publicly for the first time since mid-February, greeting and blessing crowds from a fifth-floor balcony at the hospital.
Angelus message distributed in writing; the Pope reflected on the day’s Gospel about the barren fig tree and shared his personal experience of “the patience of the Lord” during his hospitalisation.
Renewed call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and expressed hope for the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace agreement.
Vatican officials confirmed he will continue recovery at Casa Santa Marta for at least two months, with ongoing oxygen therapy.

March 22, 2025

Vatican announced that Pope Francis would be discharged from hospital on Sunday, March 23.
Gemelli Hospital confirmed the Pope’s continued need for convalescence at his Vatican residence for approximately two months.
Holy See announced Pope Francis would make a brief public appearance on Sunday to bless the faithful from the hospital window, marking his first public engagement since mid-February.

March 21, 2025

Discharge Date Uncertain: The Vatican Press Office announced that Pope Francis’ discharge from Gemelli Hospital remains undetermined.
Therapy Adjustments: Ongoing improvement in gas exchange has allowed reduced high-flow oxygen during the day. At night, it is now used instead of mechanical ventilation.
Spiritual & Administrative Activities: The Pope remains in stable condition, continues with respiratory and physical therapy, prayer, and work. He has not received visitors recently.
Rosary & Diplomacy: Archbishop Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States, celebrated Mass for the Pope’s health, affirming that the Holy Father continues to serve the Church meaningfully, even in illness.
Surge in Letters: Vatican mail has increased by up to 150kg per day, with faithful sending messages of love and support.

March 20, 2025

33 Days in Hospital: Pope Francis marked his 33rd day at Gemelli Hospital.
Stable and Active: Despite ongoing treatment, he remains actively involved in Church governance, continuing to give instructions.
No Resignation: Cardinal Pietro Parolin firmly dismissed rumours of a papal resignation.
Gift to Buenos Aires: Pope Francis gifted his Presidential Medal of Freedom (awarded by President Biden) to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires.
Evening Prayer: The rosary was led by the Vatican Apostolic Archive and Library, with Archbishop Angelo Vincenzo Zani presiding.

March 19, 2025

Health Improving: Doctors reported the Pope’s condition continues to improve. He has ceased mechanical ventilation, and high-flow oxygen therapy has been reduced.
Mass for St. Joseph: He concelebrated Mass in honour of the Solemnity of St. Joseph, and spent the day in prayer, therapy, and limited work.
Lung Infections Under Control: Although present, they are now stable.
Message on Vocations: On the same day, Pope Francis released his message for the 62nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations, highlighting hope and service in vocational discernment.
Italian President’s Wishes: President Sergio Mattarella sent warm congratulations to Pope Francis for his 12 years as pontiff, praising his global influence and expressing prayers for his continued recovery.

March 18, 2025

Pope Francis Reflects on Fragility and Peace in Letter from Hospital

Pope Francis’ health remains stable with slight improvements, according to the latest Vatican update.
In a letter to Corriere della Sera, written from Gemelli Hospital on March 14, the Pope reflects on human fragility and how it clarifies life’s true priorities.
He urges for peace and disarmament, stating, “We must disarm words, to disarm minds and disarm the Earth.”
Addressing journalists, he highlights the power of words, warning that they can “connect or divide, serve the truth or use it for other ends.”
Despite his hospitalization, the Pope remains engaged in calls for diplomacy and international cooperation, emphasizing that war only devastates without resolving conflicts.
This evening, a rosary prayer service will be led by Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, organized by the Apostolic Penitentiary.

March 17, 2025

Pope Francis’ Health Shows Slight Improvements

The Vatican reports that Pope Francis’ condition remains stable with slight improvements, supported by respiratory and motor therapies.
His use of high-flow oxygen therapy has reduced, and he can now spend some time without oxygen support. At night, he continues to use noninvasive mechanical ventilation.
Addressing concerns about the swelling in the Pope’s hand, the Vatican clarifies that it was caused by decreased mobility but has already improved today.
The Holy Father spent the day in prayer, rest, and light work.
The next medical bulletin will be released on Wednesday.

March 16, 2025

Vatican Releases First Photo of Pope Francis Since Hospitalization

The first photo of Pope Francis since he entered Gemelli Hospital on February 14, 2025. Credit: Holy See Press Office

The first official photo of Pope Francis since his hospitalization on February 14 has been released.
The image shows the Holy Father seated before the altar in the 10th-floor chapel at Gemelli Hospital, where he concelebrated Holy Mass.
According to the Vatican, the Pope’s health remains stable, and he continues his prescribed respiratory and physical therapies.
On Sunday, the Pope did not receive visitors, instead dedicating the day to prayer, rest, and some work.

March 15, 2025

Pope Francis’ Health Remains Stable with Gradual Improvement

The Vatican reports that Pope Francis’ health remains stable, with his therapies showing further improvement.
While he still requires hospital medical care and physiotherapy, his need for high-flow oxygen therapy is decreasing, reducing dependence on noninvasive mechanical ventilation at night.
The Pope spent Saturday alternating between prayer, therapy, rest, and some work.
The Vatican maintains that his clinical situation remains complex but stable.

Pope Francis Approves 2028 Ecclesial Assembly from Hospital

Despite his hospitalization, Pope Francis approved plans for an ecclesial assembly in 2028, continuing the synodal process.
Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops, announced the postsynodal ecclesial assembly scheduled for October 2028.
Grech emphasized that the goal is not to create additional burdens but to help the Church embrace a synodal approach.
Prayers for the Pope’s recovery continue, with the Governorate of Vatican City State leading the nightly rosary, presided over by Monsignor Emilio Nappa.

March 14, 2025

The Vatican announces that updates on Pope Francis’ health will now be less frequent as his condition remains stable but complex after 29 days in Gemelli Hospital.
Evening briefings will now replace the morning updates.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin led a Mass for the Pope with diplomats at the Pauline Chapel.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wished Pope Francis a speedy recovery in a phone call with Cardinal Parolin.
The Pope continues with respiratory therapy and spiritual exercises via video link.

March 13, 2025

Pope Francis marks his 12th anniversary as Pope while in hospital.
Hospital staff presented a cake, and he received hundreds of letters and drawings from well-wishers.
The Vatican confirms he continues oxygen therapy and physiotherapy.
The Pope participated in spiritual exercises via video and prayed in the hospital chapel.

March 12, 2025

The Pope spent a restful night and remains stable despite his complex condition.
A new X-ray shows slight improvements in his lungs.
The Vatican denies rumours about a possible papal trip to Turkey in May.
The Pope follows the Roman Curia’s Lenten retreat remotely.

March 11, 2025

Pope Francis’ health shows slight improvement, but he remains on oxygen support.
Doctors lifted the prognosis, indicating he is no longer in immediate danger.
He participated in spiritual exercises via live video.
The Vatican confirms no general audience this week.

March 10, 2025

The Vatican reports the Pope’s condition remains stable with ongoing improvement.
He continues Lenten spiritual exercises remotely from the hospital.
Doctors confirm he must remain hospitalised for several more days due to the complexity of his illness.
He spent the day alternating between prayer and rest.

March 9, 2025 – Pope Progressing Positively

The Vatican Press Office reports that Pope Francis spent another peaceful night at Gemelli Hospital.
Medical bulletins indicate a stable condition with a good response to treatment.
The 88-year-old Pontiff plans to join the Roman Curia spiritually for their Lenten retreat.
The Vatican will release the Sunday Angelus message in writing instead of a live appearance.
A rosary for the Pope will be led by Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça at St. Peter’s Square.

March 8, 2025 – “Stable with Slight Improvement”

The Pope’s health remains stable, showing gradual improvement.
Doctors confirm that oxygen levels and blood chemistry are stable.
The Pope received the Eucharist and spent time in prayer.
Medical staff maintain a reserved prognosis, emphasizing continued cautious observation.

March 7, 2025 – Pope Sends Message of Gratitude

Pope Francis recorded an audio message thanking the faithful for their prayers.
The Pope’s voice was hoarse and breathless, reflecting the impact of his respiratory struggles.
The Vatican confirms his condition remains stable as he continues physiotherapy and rest.

March 6, 2025 – Doctors Maintain Cautious Optimism

The Holy Father spent another restful night and is showing no further respiratory insufficiency.
Blood flow and oxygen levels remain stable, with doctors keeping the prognosis reserved.
The Vatican announced that the next major health update will be released on Saturday.

March 5, 2025 – Pope Receives Ashes on Ash Wednesday

Pope Francis participated in the rite of the blessing of ashes from his hospital room.
He also received the Eucharist and continued respiratory therapy.
The Vatican described his condition as “stable but complex.”

March 3-4, 2025 – Bronchoscopies and Respiratory Therapy

Pope Francis underwent two bronchoscopies after experiencing acute respiratory insufficiency.
He required mechanical ventilation overnight but remained alert and cooperative.

March 1-2, 2025 – Public Rosary Vigils for the Pope Begin

Mass prayer vigils started in St. Peter’s Square, with cardinals leading the rosary nightly.
The Holy Father’s condition stabilized after a critical respiratory crisis on February 28.

February 28, 2025 – “Respiratory Crisis” Reported

The Pope experienced severe bronchospasm, requiring oxygen therapy and a blood transfusion.
Doctors described his condition as “reserved”, signaling serious concerns.

February 22-25, 2025 – Pneumonia Treatment and Care

Medical teams confirmed bilateral pneumonia and adjusted treatment accordingly.
The Pope continued daily Eucharist and limited work activities while under strict medical supervision.

February 14, 2025 – Hospitalization for Bronchitis

Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital following persistent symptoms of bronchitis.
His schedule was cleared until February 17 to allow for rest and testing.

A Prayer for The Holy Father

As Catholics around the world lift up the Holy Father in prayer, the outpouring of love and devotion has been a testimony to the deep bond between the Pope and the faithful.

Nightly rosary vigils continue in St. Peter’s Square, drawing bishops, clergy, and pilgrims in fervent intercession for his healing.

A Prayer for Pope Francis’ Recovery

Heavenly Father,

We humbly come before You, lifting up Your servant Pope Francis in prayer. You, the Divine Physician, know the depths of his suffering. Lord, grant him relief from his respiratory distress, strengthen his lungs and body, and restore his health so that he may continue to serve Your Church.

In Your mercy, bless his doctors, nurses, and caregivers with wisdom and skill. May his breathing become steady, his lungs clear, and his body regain strength.

Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may he be comforted in his trials, and may his recovery be swift and complete.

We entrust our Holy Father to Your care, Lord, praying in unity as one Church, in faith and hope.

Amen.

May God restore Pope Francis to health and bless him in his service to Christ’s flock. Viva il Papa!