- Connor Power from Brisbane, Australia, prays in St. Peter's square at the Vatican early Friday, April 1, 2005, for the health of Pope John Paul II. (AP Photo/,

A woman prays in front of the statue of Pope John Paul II outside the Agostino Gemelli where Pope Francis is hospitalised in Rome, Friday, March 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio

Having spent three weeks in the hospital for treatment of double pneumonia, Pope Francis continues to be in stable condition and is responding well to his various treatments, as well breathing and mobility therapy.

Pope Francis has marked out a legacy that stands apart the ones of his two predecessors, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI.

Just as Popes John Paul II’s and Benedict’s final days revealed their understandings of the papacy, Francis’ illness has revealed him once again as the world’s parish priest, suffering close to his people.

ROME (AP) — A weak and breathless Pope Francis thanked people for their prayers for his recovery in a remarkable audio message broadcast Thursday, the first public sign of life from the 88-year-old pope since he was hospitalized three weeks ago with double pneumonia.

Pope Francis is resting after sleeping through the night with a ventilation mask as he undergoes hospital treatment for double pneumonia.

The recorded message was the first released by the Vatican since Pope Francis was hospitalized with a respiratory illness on Feb. 14.

Catholics in Rome gathered to pray outside the hospital where Pope Francis is being treated and remains in a 'critical' condition.