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Pope Francis Continues Recovery from Double Pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital
Pope Francis remains hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli hospital as he continues his recovery from double pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff is showing gradual improvement, though doctors emphasize that his condition remains complex due to his age and pre-existing health concerns.
For the fifth consecutive week, the Vatican has issued the pope’s traditional Sunday Angelus prayer as a written text, instead of the usual public address from the window overlooking St. Peter’s Square. Despite the pope’s absence, large crowds continue to gather in the Vatican, bolstered by the ongoing Jubilee year, which he inaugurated in December.
Pilgrims visiting St. Peter’s Basilica to pass through its Holy Door—a symbolic act of seeking indulgence—have also begun making stops at Gemelli hospital, just 15 minutes from the Vatican, to pray for the pontiff’s recovery.
Pope’s Condition Improving but Remains Serious
Doctors treating Pope Francis have reported that while he is no longer in critical condition, his recovery remains a slow process. Medical specialists have cited his age, limited mobility, and a history of lung problems—he lost part of a lung as a young man—as complicating factors.
However, his latest X-ray results indicate that the infection is clearing, offering hope for further progress. The Vatican has reduced the frequency of medical bulletins as his condition stabilizes, though updates are still closely monitored.
On Sunday, a post was shared on the pope’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, reading: “Our bodies are weak but … nothing can prevent us from loving, praying, giving ourselves, being for each other, in faith, shining signs of hope.”
Setbacks and Recovery Challenges
Pope Francis has not been seen in public since his hospitalization began on February 14. Initially admitted for bronchitis that made it difficult for him to speak, doctors later diagnosed him with double pneumonia and a polymicrobial infection—caused by a combination of bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens.
His early weeks in the hospital were marked by serious health challenges, including respiratory distress, mild kidney failure, and severe coughing fits. However, recent reports suggest a steady recovery, with doctors working to reduce his reliance on a non-invasive ventilation mask, allowing his lungs to function more independently.
Vatican to Issue Next Update Midweek
While the Vatican has confirmed that the pope is undergoing both physical and respiratory therapy with positive results, officials stress that he will remain hospitalized until his condition improves further.
The Vatican’s latest medical bulletin, released on Saturday, noted that Pope Francis is showing “gradual improvements” but still requires close monitoring. The next official update on his health is expected in the middle of next week.
News
Investigation Underway After Goa Nightclub Fire Kills at Least 25
Authorities in the Indian state of Goa have opened an investigation into a nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people, including several tourists, in one of the region’s most popular party districts. Six others were injured in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight in Arpora, a nightlife hub about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on X, saying the victims included many of the club’s kitchen staff and a small number of visiting tourists. He added that all the injured were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. Rescue teams recovered all bodies from the site.
Early reports from local police, cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire. Witnesses, however, told the agency that the blaze appeared to start on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing at the time. As smoke and flames swept through the building, many people ran toward the lower floor, where they became trapped along with staff members.
Sawant said a formal inquiry would determine the exact cause and whether the club complied with fire safety regulations. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible, writing on X that any negligence uncovered by investigators would be “dealt with firmly”.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the burning building. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” said Fatima Shaikh, who was inside when the fire began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a message on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Local media reported that the club’s location along the Arpora River backwaters posed challenges for emergency crews. A narrow approach road forced fire engines to park about 400 metres from the entrance, slowing their response. Reports also revealed that the building had previously received a demolition notice after officials found it lacked a construction permit. That order was later withdrawn by senior state authorities, according to Arpora councillor Roshan Redkar.
Incidents involving gas cylinders and electrical faults are not unusual in India and often lead to heavy casualties, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance” and urged a transparent investigation to establish accountability and prevent future disasters.
The probe into the fire is expected to assess structural safety, emergency exits and compliance with existing regulations as authorities work to piece together how the late-night gathering turned into one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years.
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