Pope Francis Resumes Therapies Amid Slight Improvement in Condition

Rome: Pope Francis on Monday resumed his therapies for pneumonia amid a slight improvement in his condition and followed Lenten spiritual exercises from his room in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the Vatican press office said. Francis, in his room at the Policlinico Agostino Gemelli, resumed his therapies Monday morning, both pharmacological and respiratory and motor physiotherapy, it said.

According to Ansa News Agency, the 88-year-old Argentine pontiff followed the spiritual exercises with the Roman Curia on video, sitting in an armchair in connection with the Paul VI Hall. The administration of oxygen continues, with high flows through nasal cannulas during the day and mechanical ventilation with a mask at night. A new medical bulletin is expected in the afternoon, following the previous one from two days ago, the press office reported.

The pope will continue to follow the Lenten spiritual exercises “in communion” with the Curia on video. The live broadcast of the spiritual exercises will be available on Vatican channels at 5:00 p.m., featuring a meditation by Fra Roberto Pasolini and a subsequent Rosary for the Pope’s health at 6:00 p.m., led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell. The Rosary can also be viewed on screens in St. Peter’s Square.

Regarding the pope’s future return to his Santa Marta residence in the Vatican, Vatican sources urge waiting for the doctors to release a prognosis. The prognosis remains guarded, and updates are expected every two days unless significant changes occur. The pope continues to eat solid foods and will observe upcoming anniversaries, including his entry into the Society of Jesus on March 11 and the anniversary of his election as Pope on March 13, depending on his condition and hospital circumstances. Another significant date is March 19, the feast of Saint Joseph, marking the anniversary of the inauguration mass of his pontificate.