Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized with pneumonia since February 14, “rested well” overnight while wearing an oxygen mask, the Vatican reported on Wednesday.
However, his absence from Ash Wednesday celebrations has raised concerns about the 88-year-old pontiff’s health.
According to the Vatican’s latest medical update, the pope remained stable, had no fever, and was alert while cooperating with his treatment. Despite a calm day on Tuesday without respiratory attacks, his prognosis “remains reserved.”
Due to his hospitalization, Pope Francis will not preside over the Ash Wednesday Mass, a key event marking the start of Lent. Instead, Italian Cardinal Angelo de Donatis will lead the service at 1600 GMT following the traditional procession on Rome’s Aventine Hill.
This is not the first time the pope has missed the Ash Wednesday service—he was also absent in 2022 due to acute knee pain, one of several health challenges he has faced since his election in 2013.
The pope has not been seen in public for nearly three weeks, fueling ongoing speculation about his ability to continue leading the Catholic Church. However, Vatican officials have not commented on any potential resignation.
