Vatican officials have been preparing for the worst, as reports circulated that Pope Francis had been hospitalized since Friday due to suffering from bilateral pneumonia.
According to a report from the New York Post, the 88-year-old pontiff was still alert and in good spirits despite his current health issues.
'Laboratory tests, chest X-ray, and the Holy Father's clinical condition continue to present a complex picture,' the Vatican said in a statement.
He remains in good spirits, with a Vatican spokesperson saying he has been grateful for the world's prayers since he was first admitted to the hospital on Friday.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the same after her visit with Francis on Wednesday afternoon.
Then on Wednesday evening, the Vatican released a statement saying the pope's condition had stabilized.
The Holy Father's clinical condition is stationary. The blood tests, evaluated by the medical staff, show a slight improvement, particularly in the inflammatory indices.
After breakfast, the Pope read some newspapers and then went about his work with his closest collaborators. Before lunch he received the Eucharist. In the afternoon, he received a visit from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, with whom he spent 20 minutes in private.
Initially hospitalized due to lingering bronchitis, the pope's condition worsened over the weekend, requiring a longer stay and additional treatment.
Though it may not be time to watch for any plumes of smoke wafting from the Vatican yet, the New York Post also reported that speculation has already begun as to where the Catholic Church may turn for an eventual replacement.
With Pope Francis's deteriorating health, several prominent cardinals are being eyed as his successor if the octogenarian takes a turn for the worst.
For those who may be curious, the early favorite among oddsmakers is reported to be Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy.
(Yes, as antithetical as it sounds, people place bets on who will become the next leader of the Catholic Church.)
We'll update you when we know more.
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