The 88-year-old pontiff has responded well to therapy, but his condition remains complex, necessitating ongoing hospitalization.
Pope Francis' Health Shows Improvement, Remains Hospitalized for Further Care
Pope Francis' Health Shows Improvement, Remains Hospitalized for Further Care
The Vatican confirms Pope Francis is no longer in immediate danger but continues treatment for pneumonia.
Pope Francis, aged 88, has shown promising improvements in his health according to a statement from the Vatican released on Monday. While he is no longer considered in immediate danger from pneumonia and other related infections, he will continue to receive treatment at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, where he has spent nearly a month already.
For several weeks, the pope’s health had been closely monitored after he was hospitalized with serious respiratory issues. His initial prognosis was "guarded" due to a significant respiratory infection affecting both lungs. However, the Vatican now reports that Francis has shown a "good response to pharmacological therapy," and tests showed stability, leading health officials to deem recent improvements as becoming "further consolidated."
Despite this positive news, the Vatican emphasized the need for continued care in a hospital setting due to the complexity of the pope's clinical condition and the severity of the infection at the time of his admission. During his hospitalization, Pope Francis has actively engaged in spiritual exercises via video link and sent condolences to flood victims in Argentina, his homeland. He has also met with key Vatican officials and conveyed gratitude to the faithful for their prayers through an audio message, despite his voice being weak from illness.
Currently, there is no clear timeline for when the pope might be discharged, as his health situation remains intricate, according to Vatican officials. Francis has been receiving supplemental oxygen and has experienced significant health challenges, including a throat crisis requiring medical intervention, blood transfusions, and noninvasive mechanical ventilation.
His recent health struggles have raised concerns within the Roman Catholic Church, prompting nightly rosary prayers in St. Peter’s Square led by cardinals, as well as worldwide vigils held by Catholics dedicated to his recovery. Despite calls to curb speculation regarding his future or talk of resignation, officials remain cautious due to his age and the chronic respiratory condition bronchiectasis, which presents ongoing risks.
Pope Francis has previously faced health issues, having had part of a lung removed in his youth, and has been hospitalized for respiratory infections as well as colon surgery in the past.
For several weeks, the pope’s health had been closely monitored after he was hospitalized with serious respiratory issues. His initial prognosis was "guarded" due to a significant respiratory infection affecting both lungs. However, the Vatican now reports that Francis has shown a "good response to pharmacological therapy," and tests showed stability, leading health officials to deem recent improvements as becoming "further consolidated."
Despite this positive news, the Vatican emphasized the need for continued care in a hospital setting due to the complexity of the pope's clinical condition and the severity of the infection at the time of his admission. During his hospitalization, Pope Francis has actively engaged in spiritual exercises via video link and sent condolences to flood victims in Argentina, his homeland. He has also met with key Vatican officials and conveyed gratitude to the faithful for their prayers through an audio message, despite his voice being weak from illness.
Currently, there is no clear timeline for when the pope might be discharged, as his health situation remains intricate, according to Vatican officials. Francis has been receiving supplemental oxygen and has experienced significant health challenges, including a throat crisis requiring medical intervention, blood transfusions, and noninvasive mechanical ventilation.
His recent health struggles have raised concerns within the Roman Catholic Church, prompting nightly rosary prayers in St. Peter’s Square led by cardinals, as well as worldwide vigils held by Catholics dedicated to his recovery. Despite calls to curb speculation regarding his future or talk of resignation, officials remain cautious due to his age and the chronic respiratory condition bronchiectasis, which presents ongoing risks.
Pope Francis has previously faced health issues, having had part of a lung removed in his youth, and has been hospitalized for respiratory infections as well as colon surgery in the past.
