Archbishop Paglia denounces alarmism, ‘morbid atmosphere’ surrounding pope’s health

Pope Francis greets Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, the president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, on Feb. 20, 2023. / Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican City, Feb 20, 2025 / 14:30 pm (CNA).

While acknowledging that concern about Pope Francis’ health is understandable, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, called the narrative that fuels speculation about the seriousness of his condition and the pre-conclave atmosphere “morbid.”

Speaking with ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner, the bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Terni-Narni-Amelia in Italy said it is “right to be concerned” about the health of the Holy Father, who at 88 is suffering from bilateral pneumonia and has been hospitalized in the Gemelli Hospital in Rome since Feb. 14.

However, he pointed out that this concern “must be kept within limits,” and he regretted that a lot of speculation about his health has created a “morbid atmosphere.”

“The situation is certainly delicate and the pope has kept on working, unfortunately, from a certain point of view,” the prelate said before emphasizing that the pontiff “is recovering and will return to the Vatican in a few weeks.”

On Wednesday evening, the Vatican reported a “slight improvement” in Pope Francis’ health. Although he is suffering from “a complex clinical picture” and his conditions “are stationary,” blood tests show a slight improvement, especially in inflammatory indices.

Earlier that same day, the Holy Father received Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in his room on the 10th floor of the “popes’ hospital.” Meloni said he was “alert and receptive” without losing his sense of humor. This morning, the pope was able to get up and had breakfast in an armchair.

Paglia also said that he continues to pray “that the pope can soon resume his work, which is more than valuable at a time like this. I would say almost indispensable, given how complex the world situation is and the lack of positive visions,” he said.

“If there are some hopeful signs today regarding peace, it is even more important that the pope support them and again call everyone back to justice, equality, and dialogue,” Paglia said in reference to the war in Ukraine and the situation in the Holy Land.

The prelate also emphasized that the current state of these conflicts is “extremely fragile” and requires a joint effort by many other parties in order to secure a lasting peace.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.