Pope Francis remains in stable condition at the hospital, and a recent chest scan has confirmed continued improvements in his health, the Vatican has reported, marking further progress in his recovery from double pneumonia, reports RTE.
The 88-year-old was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on 14 February due to a severe respiratory infection that required ongoing treatment adjustments.
In its latest medical update, the Vatican stated that the Pope’s condition remains stable, reports RTE.
It also noted that a chest X-ray taken yesterday “confirmed improvements observed in previous days.”
For over a week, Pope Francis has been described as stable or improving, though the Vatican has not provided an estimated discharge date.
On Monday, his doctors stated that he was no longer in immediate danger after undergoing three weeks of treatment, which included four acute respiratory crises, reports RTE.
Due to having pleurisy as a young adult, Pope Francis is susceptible to lung infections, and part of one of his lungs was previously removed.
Throughout his hospitalization, he has been receiving oxygen therapy and undergoing respiratory physiotherapy to assist with breathing, reports RTE.
Additionally, he has continued physical therapy to improve his mobility, as he has relied on a wheelchair in recent years due to knee and back pain.
Tomorrow marks the 12th anniversary of Pope Francis’ election in 2013, but he has not appeared in public since being admitted to the hospital, making this his longest absence from public view during his papacy, reports RTE.
Medical experts not involved in his treatment have suggested that, given his age and existing health conditions, his recovery is likely to be prolonged and challenging.
The Vatican has not released any images of him in the hospital, though he did record a brief audio message last week to express gratitude to well-wishers, reports RTE.
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