Vatican offers brief update as Pope Francis begins 21st day in hospital

getty_popevigilrome45282
Antonio Masiello/Getty Images

(ROME) — Pope Francis “remained stationary” on Wednesday, “without showing any episodes of respiratory failure,” but rested peacefully overnight into Thursday, the Vatican said.

The pope, 88, received “high-flow oxygen therapy during the day, and noninvasive mechanical ventilation will be resumed during the night,” the Vatican’s press office said in its evening update.

“The Holy Father increased his respiratory physiotherapy and active motor therapy,” the Vatican’s press office, the Holy See, said.
Pope Francis spent his 20th day in hospital on Wednesday in an armchair, participated in the “ritual blessing of the Holy Ashes that were imposed on him by the celebrant” and received the Eucharist, the Vatican said.

“During the morning he also called Father Gabriel Romanelli, parish priest of the Holy Family in Gaza. In the afternoon he alternated rest with work,” the Vatican said.

Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

getty_030825_policesirenstock13747

12 injured in shooting at Toronto pub

Douglas Sacha/Getty Images/STOCK (TORONTO) — At least 12 people have been injured in a shooting at a pub in Toronto on Friday night, police said. The victims all ranged in age from their 20s to mid-50s, according