News from March 5, 2025 at 2 AM

On March 3, the Vatican reported that Pope Francis, on the 18th day of hospitalization for double pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, had rested well overnight and was in stable condition. The 88-year-old pontiff no longer requires mechanical ventilation and has been fever-free. He was admitted on February 14 with severe respiratory issues that quickly escalated to double pneumonia. Since February 28, when the pope experienced a respiratory constriction similar to an asthma attack, the Vatican's updates have become more positive. However, doctors maintain a 'guarded' prognosis due to the complexity of his condition, indicating he is not out of danger. Pope Francis has faced several health issues in the last two years and is prone to lung infections, having had pleurisy and part of a lung removed in his youth. He has not been seen in public since his hospitalization, marking his longest absence since assuming the papacy in March 2013.

Pope Francis experienced two episodes of acute respiratory failure on the afternoon of March 3, prompting medical intervention to clear mucus from his lungs. The 88-year-old pontiff has resumed using an oxygen mask and ventilator but remains alert, focused, and cooperative. This marks the third serious downturn since his hospitalization for pneumonia 18 days ago. On Friday, he suffered a separate breathing crisis but responded well to oxygen therapy. Following Monday's episodes, he has resumed mechanical ventilation. Pope Francis has been unable to deliver his traditional Angelus prayer in person for three consecutive weeks and will miss Wednesday's Lenten procession and mass. Hundreds of Catholics gathered in St Peter's Square to pray for his health. The Pope was admitted to the hospital on February 14 after experiencing breathing difficulties, initially treated for bronchitis and later diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs. His susceptibility to pneumonia is heightened due to a partial lung removal following pleurisy in his youth.

On March 4, the European Commission proposed new joint EU borrowing of €150 billion to support member states' defense efforts, as part of an overall €800 billion (S$1.13 trillion) financing initiative aimed at enhancing Europe's defense capabilities in response to the pressures from US President Donald Trump's return to power. The funds will be used for pan-European projects in areas such as air and missile defense, artillery systems, missiles and ammunition, drones, and anti-drone systems. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that this would reduce costs, decrease fragmentation, increase interoperability, and strengthen the defense industrial base. EU leaders are set to discuss the proposal at a special summit on March 6. The commission also suggested exempting defense spending from EU government spending limits, noting that if member states increased their defense spending by an average of 1.5% of GDP, it could create fiscal space of nearly €650 billion. Additionally, EU cohesion funds could be utilized for defense purposes, potentially providing up to €800 billion. Von der Leyen emphasized Europe's readiness to assume its responsibilities and work closely with NATO partners.

Myanmar Prime Minister Min Aung Hlaing expressed full support for Russia's special military operation in Ukraine during talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin, confident that Russia will soon achieve victory. He attributed the conflict in Ukraine to the actions of Western countries, noting that Russia's efforts are moving the world toward multipolarity, but Western opposition led to the situation in Ukraine. Min Aung Hlaing emphasized that every country should defend its sovereignty, people, and interests. He also thanked Russia for its support to Myanmar on the international stage.

French Minister of Economy and Finance, Eric Lombard, stated in an interview with French news channel on the 4th that France opposes using frozen Russian assets for European military spending. Lombard emphasized that such a move would violate international agreements. France maintains that the frozen Russian assets belong to the Russian Central Bank. This position reflects France's cautious approach in handling the issue of Russian assets. Lombard's remarks have drawn international attention to the matter.