Pope Francis has shown slight improvement in his health, the Vatican announced on Wednesday, though it cautioned that the 88-year-old pontiff’s prognosis remains uncertain as he continues to battle pneumonia.
“The clinical conditions of the Holy Father in the last 24 hours have shown a further, slight improvement,” the Vatican said in its evening health bulletin. “Although a slight improvement is being recorded, the prognosis remains reserved.”
Ongoing Treatment and Recovery
The Argentine pope was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 with breathing difficulties and bronchitis. His condition worsened over the weekend, raising widespread concerns among Catholics.
According to the Vatican, Francis experienced severe respiratory attacks requiring high levels of oxygen and blood transfusions, but these episodes have not recurred. However, he continues to receive oxygen therapy and undergo breathing exercises as part of his treatment.
A CT scan performed on Tuesday indicated “normal progression of the pulmonary inflammatory condition,” while blood tests on Wednesday confirmed continued improvement. Additionally, the Vatican noted that a mild renal insufficiency detected over the weekend “had resolved.”
Prolonged Hospital Stay Likely
As Catholics around the world pray for his recovery, doctors have cautioned that Pope Francis may need to remain in the hospital beyond this week.
Despite his fragile condition, the leader of the world’s nearly 1.4 billion Catholics has remained engaged in Church affairs from his hospital suite. On Wednesday, he was reportedly “sitting in a chair and continuing with treatment as normal,” according to a Vatican source. The Vatican also confirmed that he received the Eucharist in the morning and spent the afternoon working.
Health Struggles and Global Support
This marks Francis’s fourth and longest hospital stay. The pope, who had part of one of his lungs removed as a young man, has struggled with respiratory issues in recent years. He is also prone to bronchitis and suffers from chronic hip and knee pain, which has left him dependent on a wheelchair.
Pilgrims and faithful have gathered at both the Vatican and Gemelli Hospital to pray for the pontiff’s recovery. Another round of prayers was held in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday evening, as the world watches and hopes for his continued improvement.
