The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis, who was hospitalized due to a double pneumonia, spent a “quiet” night, just hours after his condition was described as “stable” despite the complexity of his clinical picture. This update comes as the 88-year-old Argentine pontiff continues his recovery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. Following his hospitalization on February 14 for bronchitis, which later developed into pneumonia, Pope Francis has endured several respiratory crises, with the most recent one occurring on Monday.
According to the latest medical report, the Pope’s condition has been stable, with no new setbacks, and he has been alternating between rest and work. However, due to the intricacies of his clinical condition, the prognosis remains guarded. As part of his treatment, Pope Francis has been undergoing physiotherapy and was awake and responsive. The Vatican’s announcement aims to reassure the public about the Pope’s health while acknowledging the challenges he faces.
Pope Francis’s prolonged absence from public view, coupled with the lack of recent images or updates, has sparked concerns about his ability to fulfill his duties as the head of the Catholic Church. Notably, he missed the imposition of ashes ceremony on Wednesday, a significant event marking the beginning of Lent. This absence has raised eyebrows, especially since he has previously dismissed the idea of resigning, unlike his predecessor Benedict XVI, who stepped down in 2013.
The Pope’s health issues have been closely monitored, and the Vatican has provided periodic updates to keep the public informed. As the situation continues to unfold, the Catholic community and the world at large remain vigilant, waiting for any significant developments in the Pope’s condition. With the Vatican’s latest statement, it is clear that Pope Francis’s recovery is progressing, albeit with caution and careful monitoring by his medical team.
This report is based on information provided by AFP.