Pope Francis is reportedly showing signs of improvement in his battle against double pneumonia, according to the Vatican.
While his condition has been stable in recent days, the Pope’s doctors are cautious and have kept his prognosis guarded, meaning he is not yet fully out of danger.
At 88 years old, and with a history of chronic lung disease, the Pope has remained stable, with no fever and good blood oxygen levels for several days.
His doctors noted that this stability indicates a positive response to the ongoing treatment.
This marks the first time since his hospitalization on February 14 that his medical team has reported such improvement.
The Pope’s Ongoing Treatment and Recovery
Despite the positive signs, the Pope’s recovery is not without challenges.
He has been receiving high flows of supplemental oxygen during the day and uses a noninvasive mechanical ventilation mask at night.
As he enters the fourth week of his stay at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the doctors remain careful in their assessment.
A Vatican statement confirmed that the Pope’s condition had stabilized after several acute respiratory crises last week, but they are still keeping his prognosis as “guarded” to ensure that these improvements continue.
Doctors not directly involved in his care have expressed concern about the long road to recovery, considering the Pope’s age and long-standing health issues.
The Pope had part of his lung removed as a young man, and he has struggled with respiratory conditions in recent years.
Initially hospitalized for severe bronchitis, his condition worsened into a complex respiratory infection and double pneumonia, sidelining him for the longest period of his 12-year papacy.
Vatican Operations Continue Despite Pope’s Absence
Even though the Pope is in the hospital, the Vatican continues its daily operations.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, in the Pope’s absence, celebrated Mass for an anti-abortion group in St. Peter’s Basilica.
During this service, he delivered a message from Pope Francis, emphasizing the importance of protecting life in all its stages.
The Pope’s message, dated March 5, addressed the Movement for Life, advocating for alternatives to abortion and urging the promotion of care for the elderly and the terminally ill.
On Saturday, Cardinal Michael Czerny, a close associate of Pope Francis, led prayers for the Pope’s health.
He will also take part in the Holy Year Mass for volunteers on Sunday, a service the Pope had planned to lead himself.
Royal Visit to the Vatican Uncertain
In light of Pope Francis’s health struggles, there are concerns about a planned meeting between King Charles and the Pope, which had been scheduled for April as part of a royal tour to Italy and the Vatican.
This meeting would mark King Charles’s first audience with the Pope since ascending the throne.
It was set to be a significant moment in both the royal and religious spheres, particularly as it coincides with a special Jubilee Year for the Church.
While Buckingham Palace is hopeful that the meeting will proceed as planned, the Vatican has emphasized that the Pope’s health remains delicate, and the prognosis is still uncertain.
However, if the meeting with the Pope does not occur, the royal couple’s visit to the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel is still expected to go ahead.
The royal tour, which includes celebrations for the royal couple’s 20th wedding anniversary, will also include engagements in Rome and the northern city of Ravenna.
Despite these health challenges, Pope Francis continues his recovery journey, and the Vatican remains focused on ensuring that the Church’s work goes on.