Pope Francis' Health Update: Progress in Recovery from Double Pneumonia
On Tuesday, doctors reported that Pope Francis is no longer in immediate danger as he continues to recover in the hospital from double pneumonia. The Vatican communicated this positive update, revealing that the 88-year-old pontiff had a restful night and woke up around 8 AM CET. This marks an improvement from the previously guarded prognosis announced on Monday evening.
The pope's medical team has clarified that while his life is no longer at risk, he will require several more days of hospitalization to receive ongoing treatment, followed by a likely rehabilitation period. Pope Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital over three weeks ago due to a severe respiratory infection. Initially treated for bronchitis, he was later diagnosed with double pneumonia.
Although he remains on supplemental oxygen during the day and uses a ventilation mask at night to assist with breathing, the latest update from the Vatican indicates that doctors find his condition stable and showing signs of improvement. Improvements noted in recent days have been confirmed through blood tests and clinical evaluations, along with the pope's favorable response to medication.
For over a week, the pontiff has been categorized as stable, despite experiencing two acute respiratory crises earlier in March. The 88-year-old has faced multiple health challenges over the past two years, having developed a vulnerability to lung infections after undergoing lung surgery as a young adult. This hospitalization marks the longest of his 12-year papacy.
As a sign of his recuperation, Pope Francis participated in the Vatican's weeklong spiritual retreat via video link on Monday, engaging in both morning and afternoon sessions.
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