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Vatican City Update: Pope Francis’ Condition Improves
After 25 days at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, Pope Francis is showing continued improvement, according to a Vatican statement released Monday. Blood tests and clinical observations confirm his positive response to ongoing treatment, leading doctors to lift his prognosis.
While no longer in immediate danger, the 88-year-old pontiff’s situation remains complex. He will continue receiving in-hospital care for several more days due to the severity of the infection that led to his admittance.
Despite his ongoing treatment, the Pope participated in Lenten spiritual exercises Monday morning, receiving the Eucharist and praying in his private chapel. He continued the exercises remotely via video link, spending the afternoon in prayer and rest.
Francis was hospitalized on February 14th with bilateral pneumonia. He expressed gratitude to the hospital staff in his Sunday Angelus address, thanking them for their care and tenderness. This Thursday marks the 12th anniversary of his election as Pope, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI.