Pope Francis remains in "critical" condition but had "a peaceful night"

Pope Francis, whose condition remains "critical," had "a peaceful night," the Vatican announced Wednesday, marking the thirteenth day of hospitalization for the 88-year-old Argentine Jesuit suffering from double pneumonia.

The spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, who was admitted to the Gemelli Clinic in Rome, spent "a peaceful night and is resting," the Holy See said in a brief statement.

On Tuesday night, the Vatican had reported that his health condition remained "critical but stable," with a "reserved" prognosis. However, the pope managed to work during the day. 

The medical report also indicated that he underwent a "scheduled control CT [computed tomography] scan for radiological monitoring of bilateral pneumonia," a potentially deadly lung tissue infection.

According to a Vatican source, the results of the third X-ray conducted since his hospitalization are expected to be announced on Wednesday.

Jorge Bergoglio's health is a matter of global concern, with prayers for his swift recovery pouring in from his home of Buenos Aires to St. Peter's Square, where, just the day before, a large crowd of believers and cardinals gathered to pray the rosary.

The scene evoked memories of the gatherings prior to John Paul II's death in 2005. However, Honduran Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga, who coordinates the pope's Council of Cardinals, said that "it is not yet time for him to go to heaven."

"We always pray for him, and now we double our prayers," said Marcela Oviedo, a 55-year-old woman, during a Mass for the pope's health held at Santa Maria Dolorosa, Argentina's national church in Rome, on Tuesday night.

Candles and drawings

On Wednesday morning, candles, drawings, and messages of support for Pope Francis adorned the statue of John Paul II outside the Gemelli hospital, which has served as the Vatican media epicenter for nearly two weeks, AFP reported.

This hospitalization, the fourth and longest since 2021, is causing significant concern due to previous health issues that have weakened him in recent years, including surgeries on his colon and abdomen, as well as difficulty walking.

It has also raised questions about his ability to perform his duties, especially since canon law does not provide guidance for situations involving a serious issue that could impact his clarity of mind.

It has also reignited speculation about the possibility of Pope Francis resigning, although he has repeatedly stated that the time for that has not yet come. Since the beginning of the week, he has been more active as well.

On Monday, he reached out to the parish in Gaza, a gesture he has maintained since the start of the war. He also authorized the canonization of two laypeople, including Venezuelan "doctor of the poor" José Gregorio Hernández, and announced a consistory (assembly of cardinals), although he did not specify the date.

Leaders from around the world have sent messages of encouragement, including U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who called him "an ethical leader of humanity."