Pope Francis’s condition remains stable, with a recent chest X-ray confirming improvements seen in the past few days, the Vatican reported on Wednesday. The 88-year-old pontiff has now spent nearly a month in the hospital battling pneumonia.
“The clinical condition of the Holy Father remains stable, given the complexity of his overall health situation,” the Vatican said in a medical bulletin. “The chest X-ray performed on Tuesday confirmed the radiological improvements observed in recent days.”
The Argentine pope has been receiving treatment at Rome’s Gemelli hospital since February 14. Initially reported to be in critical condition, his health has improved over the past week, and the Vatican suggested on Monday that he is no longer in immediate danger, raising hopes of his eventual return home.
Pope Francis continues to receive high-flow oxygen during the day through a cannula, and he wears an oxygen mask while sleeping at night, according to the statement.
On Wednesday morning, he participated in spiritual exercises — a time for prayer and meditation — remotely via video link, as he had done in previous days. The rest of the day was spent resting, praying, and undergoing physiotherapy.
AFP
