Pope Francis’ Condition Improves After Three Weeks in Hospital
Stable Condition and Gradual Improvement
Vatican City: Pope Francis is responding well to treatment for pneumonia after three weeks in hospital, the Vatican said Saturday, adding that the 88-year-old was showing "a gradual, slight improvement".
The Argentine pontiff has been in Rome’s Gemelli hospital since February 14, and has suffered a series of respiratory crises, but for several days now his condition has been described as "stable".
Good Response to Treatment
"The Holy Father’s clinical condition in recent days has remained stable and, consequently, testifies to a good response to treatment. There is therefore a gradual, slight improvement," the Vatican said.
Although Francis does not have a fever, his doctors want to see the same positive results "in the coming days" before giving a prognosis, the evening medical bulletin said.
Papal Activities
The pope prayed Saturday morning in the chapel belonging to the special papal suite on the hospital’s 10th floor, while in the afternoon he alternated rest with work, it said.
Health Issues
Francis has suffered a series of health issues in recent years, from colon surgery in 2021 to a hernia operation in 2023, but this is the longest and most serious hospitalisation of his papacy.
Prayers and Support
Catholics have been gathering nightly in St Peter’s Square to pray for Francis, or leave flowers, candles, or cards for him outside the Gemelli. "I hope that his lungs can go back to normal, his voice too," said one believer, Arnoldo Mosca Mondadori.
Hope and Support
But "even this (breathless) voice gives us so much hope, it is huge for us. Even a thread of voice can give our heart and soul so much hope," he said.
Medical Bulletin
The pope continues to switch between an oxygen mask at night and a cannula — a plastic tube tucking into the nostrils — delivering high-flow oxygen during the day.
Vatican’s Transparency
In a bid for greater transparency, the Vatican has been publishing an update on how the pope slept every morning, followed by a more detailed medical bulletin each evening.
Future Plans
On Thursday, the Vatican said that "in view of the stability of the clinical picture", there would be no medical bulletin on Friday evening, and on Saturday it said there may not be one on Sunday.
Papal Work
Francis has been doing bits of work when possible. On Saturday, Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin read aloud a message on the pope’s behalf during a mass in St Peter’s Basilica. The pope had worked on the message from hospital just a few days ago, on March 5, the Vatican said.
Conclusion
Pope Francis’ condition has been improving gradually, and his doctors are optimistic about his recovery. The Catholic faithful are praying for his health, and the Vatican has been providing regular updates on his condition. As the pope continues to recover, the world waits with bated breath for his return to full health.
FAQs
Q: How long has Pope Francis been in hospital?
A: Pope Francis has been in hospital for three weeks, since February 14.
Q: What is the status of his condition?
A: His condition is stable, with a gradual, slight improvement.
Q: What is the prognosis?
A: His doctors want to see the same positive results "in the coming days" before giving a prognosis.
Q: What is the Vatican doing to provide transparency on the pope’s condition?
A: The Vatican is publishing updates on the pope’s sleep and medical condition every morning and evening.
Q: What is the reaction of the Catholic faithful?
A: They are praying for the pope’s health and well-being, and have been gathering nightly in St Peter’s Square to pray for him.