Pope Francis has spent 18 full days at Rome's Gemelli hospital recovering from double pneumonia. It's by far the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy, and there is no indication how long it may still last.

As Pope Francis has battled double pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli hospital since Feb. 14, the Vatican has been trying something new. The Holy See press office has been giving daily updates on his condition.

Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, listens to an audio message from Pope Francis before leading the rosary for the pope's health in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican March 6, 2025. (CNS photo/Pablo Esparza)

Rome's Gemelli hospital, where Pope Francis is being treated for pneumonia, is the favoured choice of pontiffs — to the point of being dubbed "Vatican III" by John Paul II. The 88-year-old Francis is on his fourth stay at the Gemelli since 2021.

Hospitalized in critical condition with double pneumonia, Pope Francis was well enough to meet with the Vatican secretary of state to approve new decrees for possible saints and make some major governing decisions that suggest he is getting essential work done while remaining very much in charge.