Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with Pope Francis in the hospital on Wednesday and said he was “alert and responsive” despite continuing treatment for double pneumonia.
“I was delighted to find him to be in a good mood. We teased one another as ever nothing lost for his world-renowned wit,” Meloni released in an interview, by way of AFP. The pontiff is aged 88 years and continues being at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital where he was being given his medical treatment on February 14.
In its latest report on his condition, the Vatican affirmed that Pope Francis was awake, had broken his fast with breakfast, and was stable. The health of the pontiff has been the concern of many, with the Vatican disclosing on Tuesday that he is fighting double pneumonia, a severe infection that inflames and scars both lungs, complicating breathing.
Earlier, Vatican authorities had revealed that Francis had a polymicrobial infection, indicating that more than one microorganism was involved in his illness. Because of the intricacy of his condition, medical doctors have decided to have him hospitalized for as long as required to guarantee a total healing.
A Vatican source, assured that the pope is not on a ventilator and is breathing on his own. The source also reported that Francis had been able to leave bed, sit in a chair, and even resume some of his work while in his hospital room.
While worries continue about the pontiff’s weak health, his continued ability to stay focused and alert has given some comfort. The Vatican has still not given word on when he will be released, but authorities emphasize that his treatment remains the priority.
