By: Augusto Urbano II
Photo Courtesy: Getty Images
Pope Francis is showing signs of improvement, but his overall health remains a concern, according to an update from the Holy See Press Office on Tuesday evening.
The 88-year-old pontiff continues to receive medical care, including high-flow oxygen therapy, as doctors closely monitor his recovery. While there is no clear timeline for his release from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he has been receiving treatment for nearly a month, Vatican officials remain hopeful about his progress.
Encouragingly, Vatican sources confirm that the pope’s condition has stabilized, prompting doctors to lift the prognosis. This means he is no longer in immediate danger from the respiratory infection that led to his hospitalization.
However, his medical team remains cautious, with a CT scan possibly scheduled in the coming days to further evaluate his pneumonia and ensure his continued recovery.
Despite his health challenges, Pope Francis remains deeply connected to his spiritual duties. He spent much of Tuesday afternoon in prayer, receiving the Eucharist, and following the Lenten retreat exercises for the Roman Curia via livestream.
Due to the retreat, the Vatican has announced there will be no general audience this week, and no catechesis will be released on Wednesday, Mar. 12. As he continues his treatment, Catholics around the world are keeping him in their prayers, hoping for his steady recovery.