Pope Francis remains in stable condition, with chest X-rays showing continued improvement, according to the Vatican’s Wednesday statement, nearly a month after he was hospitalised with pneumonia.
The Vatican’s medical bulletin stated, “The clinical conditions of the Holy Father have remained stationary (stable), within the complexity of the general picture,” it said in a medical bulletin.
“The chest X-ray carried out yesterday (Tuesday) confirmed radiologically the improvements registered in previous days,” it added.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who will mark his 12-year anniversary as the Catholic Church’s leader on Thursday, has been receiving treatment at Rome’s Gemelli hospital since February 14. Initially, his condition was described as critical.
His health has shown improvement over the past week, with the Vatican indicating on Monday that he was no longer in immediate danger, suggesting a possible discharge from hospital.
Currently, Francis requires high-flow oxygen through a nasal cannula during daytime hours and uses an oxygen mask while sleeping, as stated in Wednesday’s update.
He also participated remotely in spiritual exercises at the Vatican through video link, though he remained unseen, continuing the pattern of previous days, on Wednesday morning.
The Vatican further reported that Francis has been staying in a special suite on the hospital’s 10th floor, balancing prayers, physiotherapy, work, and meetings with colleagues.
Doctors report that he is making slow but steady progress after being admitted on February 14 with a complex respiratory infection. However, due to the complexity of his condition and his overall fragility, they remain cautious and have not specified how long he will need to stay in the hospital.
(With inputs from agencies)