Vatican City [Rome]: Pope Francis’s condition remains critical but has shown a “slight improvement,” the Vatican announced on Monday, amid mounting global concern for the 88-year-old pontiff’s health, reported Al Jazeera.
“The clinical conditions of the Holy Father, in their critical nature, show a slight improvement,” the Vatican stated, noting the absence of asthmatic respiratory attacks and improved laboratory test results. The Pope, who received the Eucharist in the morning, was able to work in the afternoon. He continues to receive oxygen, though the flow and percentage have been slightly reduced.
Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 with breathing difficulties, later diagnosed as double pneumonia and kidney complications. This marks the longest hospital stay of his nearly 12-year papacy. Double pneumonia, an inflammation affecting both lungs, poses significant breathing challenges, particularly for Francis, who has a history of lung-related illnesses.
The Vatican described the infection as “complex,” caused by multiple microorganisms. Despite his critical state, a Vatican source indicated that the Pope spent a peaceful night, experiencing no pain, eating normally, and maintaining a good mood.
The global Catholic community has responded with an outpouring of support. Special prayers were held Monday evening at St. Peter’s Square in Rome, and well-wishers have left tributes outside the hospital.
Pope Francis, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, has faced various health challenges in recent years, including prior lung infections stemming from pleurisy during his youth, which required partial lung removal.
As the world watches closely, Vatican officials continue to provide regular updates on the pontiff’s recovery.