Pope Francis showed further improvement on Wednesday, according to the Vatican, though it stressed that his prognosis remains uncertain as the 88-year-old continues his battle with pneumonia.
“The clinical conditions of the Holy Father in the last 24 hours have shown a further, slight improvement,” the Vatican said in its nightly health update. J
The pope has been hospitalized since February 14.
“Although a slight improvement is being recorded, the prognosis remains reserved,” it added.
The Argentine pontiff was initially admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital for breathing difficulties and bronchitis. However, his condition deteriorated, raising concerns among Catholics worldwide.
The Vatican noted that the respiratory issues the pope faced over the weekend, which required high oxygen levels and blood transfusions, have not recurred. Nonetheless, he continues to receive oxygen and engage in breathing exercises.
A CT scan conducted on Tuesday revealed “normal progression of the pulmonary inflammatory condition,” and blood tests taken on Wednesday confirmed the improvement. Additionally, a mild renal insufficiency detected over the weekend has now “resolved,” the Vatican reported.
As Catholics around the globe continue to pray for the pope, doctors have warned that his recovery might take time, with the pontiff likely remaining in the hospital beyond this week.
Despite his critical condition, the leader of nearly 1.4 billion Catholics has kept up with Church affairs from his hospital room, according to the Vatican.
On his 13th day in the hospital, the Pope was “sitting in a chair and continuing with treatment as normal,” a Vatican source stated. The Vatican also mentioned that he received the Eucharist in the morning and spent the afternoon working.
This marks Francis’s fourth and longest hospitalization. The pope, who had part of one lung removed in his youth, has faced several health challenges in recent years, including frequent bronchitis and chronic hip and knee pain, which have made him dependent on a wheelchair.
Pilgrims and faithful have gathered both at the Vatican and the Gemelli hospital to pray for the pope, with another prayer session held in St. Peter’s Square later Wednesday evening.
