Pope Francis is continuing his therapy and prescribed diet, which now includes solid foods, according to a recent update from the Vatican.
The Vatican reported that the Pope has been undergoing respiratory and motor physiotherapy, with his condition described as stable and showing slight gradual improvements.
However, the overall situation remains complex, leading doctors to maintain a guarded prognosis.
Earlier today, the Vatican stated that the Pope is responding well to treatment, having exhibited a “gradual, mild improvement” in recent days as he remains hospitalized due to double pneumonia.
POPE FRANCIS SHOWS ‘SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT’ DURING FOURTH WEEK IN HOSPITAL, VATICAN SAYS
The night was quiet, and the Pope is resting, according to the Vatican’s earlier statement.
Pope Francis, 88, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after a week-long bout of bronchitis worsened. He was initially diagnosed with a complex viral, bacterial, and fungal respiratory tract infection, which subsequently led to pneumonia in both lungs.
This marks the fourth consecutive Sunday that the Pope will not appear for his weekly noon blessing, although the Vatican plans to distribute the message he would have delivered.
Doctors have confirmed that the Pope’s condition has remained stable, with no fever and good oxygen levels in his blood for several days. They indicated that his stability “reflects a good response to therapy.”
This is the first report from doctors indicating that Francis, who has chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed earlier in life, is responding positively to the prescribed therapies since his hospitalization over three weeks ago.
Despite the Pope’s absence, the Vatican’s daily operations continue alongside the celebrations of its Holy Year, a once-every-quarter-century Jubilee that attracts pilgrims from around the world to Rome. This weekend, the Holy Year is commemorating volunteers, with many extending their pilgrimage to pray for Francis outside the hospital.
POPE FRANCIS CONTINUES TO REST IN HOSPITAL AS VATICAN’S HOLY YEAR PROCEEDS WITHOUT HIM
On Sunday, Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny will preside over the Holy Year Mass for the volunteers.
To assist with his breathing, the Pope has been using high flows of supplemental oxygen during the day and a noninvasive mechanical ventilation mask at night.
