Pope Francis, 88, has shown a slight improvement in his health as he continues to combat double pneumonia, according to a Vatican statement on Wednesday. Despite this progress, doctors maintain that his prognosis remains guarded.
A chest CT scan conducted Tuesday evening revealed the “normal evolution” of the infection under treatment. The pontiff, who had part of one lung removed during his youth, is still receiving high-flow supplemental oxygen but has not experienced any respiratory crises since Saturday.
Blood tests have indicated improvements in previously noted low platelet counts and anemia. A mild kidney insufficiency detected earlier has also receded. The Vatican confirmed that Francis is undergoing respiratory physiotherapy to aid in expelling fluid from his lungs.
Hospitalized since February 14 at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, Francis has been in critical condition due to a complex lung infection. Despite his health challenges, he resumed work from his hospital room, receiving the Eucharist in the morning and later appointing four new bishops and approving a new fundraising initiative for the Holy See.
Well-wishers have gathered outside the hospital, leaving candles, balloons, and get-well cards at a statue of St. John Paul II near the entrance. Bishop Gerardo Villalonga from Menorca, Spain, led a group of 50 pilgrims to the site, expressing their desire to be “as close to him as possible.”
In St. Peter’s Square, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the 91-year-old dean of the College of Cardinals, has been leading prayer vigils for the pope’s recovery. Francis recently extended Re’s term, keeping him in this significant role.
As the faithful continue to pray for his health, the Vatican remains cautiously optimistic about the pope’s recovery, emphasizing that while there is improvement, he is not yet out of danger.
