Pope continues to show slight improvement
Pope Francis continues to show signs of improvement, with his kidney issues subsiding. A recent CT scan confirmed a normal progression of his lung inflammation, and his blood tests returned good results. In the afternoon, he resumed his work. However, his prognosis remains guarded.
On Wednesday evening, the Holy See Press Office provided the following update on Pope Francis’ health:
“The Holy Father’s condition has shown a slight further improvement over the past 24 hours. The mild kidney insufficiency observed in recent days has subsided. A chest CT scan carried out last night showed a normal progression of the lung inflammation. Blood tests conducted today confirmed the improvement seen yesterday.
The Holy Father remains on high-flow oxygen therapy but has not experienced any asthma-like respiratory episodes today. Respiratory physiotherapy is continuing. Despite the slight improvement, his prognosis remains guarded.
This morning, the Holy Father received the Eucharist, and in the afternoon, he resumed his work.”
Pope establishes a Commission for donations to the Holy See
Pope Francis has set up a Commission to encourage contributions from the faithful, Bishops’ conferences, and other potential benefactors.
With a Chirograph signed on February 11, 2025, Pope Francis has established the Commissio de donationibus pro Sancta Sede, a new commission dedicated to promoting donations.
Its main task is to run fundraising campaigns among the faithful, bishops’ conferences, and other potential benefactors, highlighting the importance of financial support for the mission and charitable work of the Holy See.
The commission will also seek funding from willing donors for specific projects proposed by institutions of the Roman Curia and the Governorate of Vatican City.
At the same time, it will respect the independence and responsibilities of each Curial entity in accordance with existing regulations.
Led by the Assessor
The Commission currently consists of five members (with a maximum of six). It is chaired by Monsignor Roberto Campisi, Assessor for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State.
Other members include Archbishop Flavio Pace, Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity; Sister Alessandra Smerilli, Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development; Sister Silvana Piro, Undersecretary of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See; and lawyer Giuseppe Puglisi-Alibrandi, Deputy Secretary General of the Governorate of Vatican City.
Coordinating fundraising efforts
As part of its work, the Commission will act as a coordinating body for other fundraising initiatives, both formal and informal, such as contributions made under Canon 1271 and Peter’s Pence.
It will do so while ensuring that the purpose and character of each initiative are respected.
Raising awareness
Each year, the Commission will set out the fundraising and awareness campaigns to be launched, defining their scope and strategy. It will also oversee the planning and implementation of these initiatives and may delegate specific tasks to individual members.
Additionally, it will identify and assess projects requiring financial support, establishing priorities for funding. If no projects are submitted by Vatican institutions, the Commission may collect reserve funds to be allocated to future initiatives.
An implementation plan is set to be finalised within three months.