Pope’s Condition Continues to Improve Says Vatican

Vatican City: The Vatican said Thursday that the pope’s condition has improved further. “The Holy Father’s clinical condition continued to improve today,” the Vatican Press Office stated regarding the 88-year-old Argentine pontiff, who was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 and is being treated for bronchitis and double pneumonia.

According to Ansa News Agency, the pope alternated high-flow oxygen therapy with ventimask. The Vatican explained that due to the complexity of the clinical picture, more days of clinical stability are necessary to dissolve the prognosis. Francis was admitted to the hospital on February 14 for treatment of bronchitis and double pneumonia.

There was widespread concern over the weekend when the Vatican announced his condition was critical following respiratory crises. However, his condition has gradually improved since then.

“The Holy Father dedicated the morning to respiratory physiotherapy, alternating it with rest, while in the afternoon, after a further session of physiotherapy, he gathered in prayer in the chapel of the private flat on the 10th floor, receiving the Eucharist; he then devoted himself to work activities,” the Vatican confirmed.