Pope Francis is no longer in immediate danger as he continues to recover from double pneumonia, the Vatican said on Monday. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been in hospital at Rome’s Gemelli hospital for more than three weeks, is recovering well from the illness.
Francis was admitted on February 14 with a serious respiratory infection that needed intensive medical treatment. But the Vatican’s most recent medical bulletin reported major improvement, saying doctors had removed their earlier “guarded” prognosis, meaning he is no longer in critical condition.
The progress noted in past days has continued to consolidate, as attested by blood work and clinical evaluations, and good response to medication therapy,” the statement said.
Even with his improvement, doctors have ordered the pope to stay in the hospital for more treatment. No exact time frame has been indicated for his release.
The pope has been stable or recovering the last week following two severe cases of acute respiratory insufficiency on March 3. The pope continues his respiratory physiotherapy to support his breathing and remains on oxygen therapy, sporting a nasal oxygen hose during the day and a non-invasive mechanical ventilation apparatus at night.
Meanwhile, the Vatican affirmed that Francis, who has ridden a wheelchair since recent years in response to back and knee pain, is receiving physical therapy for continued mobility.
Though under medical watch, the pope’s consistent progress comes as welcome assurance to the faithful. The Vatican has yet to announce his resumption of public activities but the officials remain optimistic about his on-going recovery.
