Pope Francis stable in hospital after 17 days

Pope Francis remains hospitalized in stable condition at Rome's Gemelli Hospital after 17 days, with his clinical picture remaining complex.

On Sunday, March 2, the Vatican reported that Pope Francis met officials and thanked well-wishers for their prayers through a written message.

Doctors continue to monitor his recovery carefully; despite an isolated breathing crisis on February 29, his condition has stabilized without fever or abnormal blood parameters.

Pope Francis participated in mass Sunday morning and spent the rest of the day alternating between rest and prayer, avoiding invasive mechanical ventilation but using high-flow oxygen therapy.

The Vatican emphasized that while Pope Francis's current health status is stable, the prognosis remains reserved due to the complexity of his clinical picture.