Since February 14, 2025, Pope Francis has been kept under watchful medical care after he was hospitalized for several weeks following a close call with numerous respiratory infections and complications. Following his admission into hospital care, Francis was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia and a polymicrobial infection leading to supplemental oxygen becoming necessary for his survival. Further emergency medical procedures were required after Francis suffered multiple episodes of respiratory crisis. Medical services were able to bring Pope Francis back to a stable condition and have kept him under close examination in hospital care for several weeks while he recovers.

As of mid March, Francis has been reported as showing signs of improvement and is expected to recover and return to his papal duties in the coming weeks. Discussions arose on who would be chosen as the next Pope in preparation for the possibility that Francis would have been unable to recover. These discussions are reported to have faded as Francis is expected to continue as Pope. While in hospital, Catholics around the world entered prayer for the recovery of Francis. Pope Francis had also given his gratitude and praised those around the world who prayed for him as well as the medical volunteers who aided his recovery process. Francis took part in some Papal actions while staying in the hospital including receiving ashes that signify the start of Lent.

This medical crisis has not been the first for Pope Francis as he had previously been hospitalized in 2023 for a respiratory infection. The condition of Pope Francis drew considerable concern as he is known to have had a portion of his lung removed in his early life as a result of a chronic lung disease. Despite all of this, Francis managed to hold on and remain true to his duties as Pope. The world wishes Pope Francis a speedy recovery and complete return to his position in the Vatican.