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Leven en tijd van Paus Franciscus
March 3, 2025 - Pope Francis remains stable and no longer requires the use of mechanical ventilation to breathe, the Vatican says, in a sign of progress as the 88-year-old pontiff battles double pneumonia.
The 88-year-old pontiff has been receiving treatment at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since February 14 for a severe respiratory infection that led to further complications.
Despite his hospitalisation, Francis has continued overseeing Vatican affairs, staying true to his reputation for tireless dedication.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he made history in 2013 as the first non-European pope in nearly 1,300 years and the first from the Jesuit order.
His leadership has ushered in significant reforms, emphasising humility, inclusivity, and social justice.
Among his most notable achievements are the papal encyclical Laudato si’, which addresses climate change and environmental stewardship; efforts to foster unity among Catholics, non-Catholics, and non-Christians; historic apologies to survivors of clergy sexual abuse; and the promotion of women to roles traditionally held by men within the Church.