Vatican reports gradual recovery from pneumonia as hospitalization extends to two weeks.
Pope Francis' health continues to show signs of improvement, as confirmed by the Vatican on Thursday evening.
The 88-year-old pontiff is currently hospitalized due to pneumonia affecting both lungs.
Despite the positive updates, officials have stated that the prognosis remains cautious.
According to the latest bulletin released by the Vatican, the Pope's clinical condition is improving.
He has undergone a combination of high-flow oxygen therapy and is utilizing a respiratory mask.
Given the complexity of his clinical picture, further days of clinical stability are necessary before altering the current cautious prognosis.
During the morning, the Pope engaged in respiratory physiotherapy, interspersed with periods of rest.
In the afternoon, he continued with another session of physiotherapy before attending to his professional duties, as outlined in the communication from the Vatican.
This marks the second consecutive update indicating an improvement in
Pope Francis' health, who is presently on his 14th day of hospitalization.
Earlier in the week, the Vatican noted a "slight improvement" on Monday but characterized the situation as "stable" on Tuesday.
Additionally, the bulletin revealed that the mild renal insufficiency observed in recent days has resolved, alleviating concerns of a potential onset of septicemia that could arise from the lung infection.
The Vatican noted that there had been another slight improvement in the Pope's clinical conditions within the last 24 hours.
This hospitalization marks the fourth for
Pope Francis and is the longest since his papacy began in 2013. It has prompted significant concern given the pontiff's previous health challenges, which have included surgeries on his colon and abdomen, as well as mobility issues.
As both the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics and the head of the Vatican City State, the Pope's hospitalization has reignited questions about his ability to fulfill his responsibilities.
Canon law does not provide guidance under circumstances that would impair his discernment.
Furthermore, speculation surrounding
Pope Francis' potential resignation has intensified, although he has reiterated on multiple occasions that the time for such a decision has not yet arrived.