Pope Francis is now “out of danger from death” as of Monday evening, indicating a significant improvement following weeks spent hospitalized for health issues related to the head of the Roman Catholic Church.
According to a statement obtained by Fox News, the Vatican reported that the “clinical conditions of the Holy Father continue to be stable.”
The release continued, stating, “The improvements noted in the previous days have been further consolidated, as confirmed by blood tests and clinical assessments, showing a good response to medication.”
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis, who is 88 years old, “is out of danger from death from the infections that he was admitted to the hospital with.”
The pope was first hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after battling a week-long bronchitis that gradually deteriorated. He was subsequently diagnosed with a complex respiratory infection caused by a combination of viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
Doctors later identified pneumonia in both of Pope Francis’s lungs, which posed a significant health risk to the octogenarian, who has chronic lung issues and previously underwent lung surgery.
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As of Monday, Pope Francis will continue his recovery at Gemelli Hospital “for further days,” Holy See officials stated, due to the “complexity of the clinical picture and significant infectious concerns at the time of hospitalization.”
Pope Francis was able to have solid food included in his diet on Sunday following several days of improvement. On Monday, he “alternated between prayer and rest” and engaged in worship throughout the day.
The Holy See reported that “this morning, the Holy Father was able to participate in the Spiritual Exercises from the Paul VI Room, received the Eucharist, and spent time in prayer at the Chapel of his private apartment.” In the afternoon, he again joined the Spiritual Exercises of the Curia.”
