A cluster of stacked chairs is seen in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican March 26, 2025. Pope Francis' general audience, to be held in the square, was suspended due to his ongoing recovery from pulmonary infections. (CNS/Pablo Esparza)
Pope Francis' voice is slowly recovering and his mobility has slightly improved since returning to the Vatican following a five-week hospitalization for double pneumonia, the Vatican said on March 28.
Matteo Bruni, spokesman for the Holy See Press Office, said the 88-year-old pontiff, who is still recovering from a respiratory infection, continues to be weaned off oxygen support during both the day and at night and that his blood levels are normal.
Bruni's noontime update on Friday (March 28) marked the first official Vatican medical update on the pontiff's recovery since he was released on March 23 after a 38-day hospitalization. During a brief public appearance that day, the pope had difficulty speaking and seemed to struggle with shortness of breath.
The pope's medical team has ordered a strict convalescence period of at least two months.
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As of now, according to the Vatican, the pope is primarily engaged in motor and respiratory physiotherapy, along with prayer and light work. The Vatican said that the pope remains in contact with the Roman Curia through written reports.
Earlier in the day on Friday, Francis watched a live video feed of the Vatican's weekly Lenten meditation, led by Capuchin Fr. Roberto Pasolini.
The Vatican also said that the pontiff concelebrates Mass each day in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta.
Looking ahead to Holy Week and Easter, Bruni said it was "premature" to make any decisions about whether the pope would be able to take part in the Vatican's public liturgical celebrations.
Francis is not expected to lead the weekly Sunday Angelus prayer this weekend, however the Vatican will release the text of his prepared remarks.
The National Catholic Reporter's Rome Bureau is made possible in part by the generosity of Joan and Bob McGrath.
