Pope Francis’s Health Improves, but He Remains Hospitalized
Doctors have announced that Pope Francis is no longer in imminent danger of death due to pneumonia, but he will continue to receive treatment in the hospital for several more days. The 88-year-old pope, who has chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, has been hospitalized since February 14 with a complex respiratory tract infection and double pneumonia.
In a late update, doctors said the pope remains stable and has consolidated improvements in recent days, as determined by blood tests and positive responses to drug treatments. The Vatican has lifted its "guarded" prognosis, meaning the pope is no longer in imminent danger of death, but the medical team’s caution remains.
However, due to the complexity of the clinical picture and the significant infectious picture presented on admission, it will be necessary to continue medical drug therapy in a hospital setting for additional days. The Vatican statement noted that Francis will continue to receive physical and respiratory therapy at the Gemelli hospital, and rest and pray in between.
In a sign of his improved health, Francis participated in a spiritual retreat via videoconference on Monday, following the Vatican’s weeklong spiritual retreat, which continues through the week. The retreat, an annual gathering that kicks off the Catholic Church’s solemn Lenten season leading to Easter, has been held remotely this year due to the pope’s health condition.
The pope has also been keeping up with current events, including the floods in his native Argentina and has expressed his closeness to the affected population. A Vatican cardinal close to the pope has also spoken out to refute some negative media reports that have circulated in his absence.
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Conclusion
Pope Francis’s health has taken a significant turn for the better, but he will continue to receive treatment in the hospital for several more days. The Vatican has lifted its "guarded" prognosis, and the pope is expected to make a full recovery. However, the medical team’s caution remains, and the pope will continue to receive treatment and therapy at the Gemelli hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Pope Francis’s current health status?
A: Pope Francis is no longer in imminent danger of death due to pneumonia, but he will continue to receive treatment in the hospital for several more days.
Q: What is the diagnosis?
A: The pope has a complex respiratory tract infection and double pneumonia.
Q: What treatment is he receiving?
A: The pope is receiving physical and respiratory therapy at the Gemelli hospital, and rest and prayer in between.
Q: Will he participate in the spiritual retreat?
A: Yes, the pope will participate in the spiritual retreat via videoconference.
Q: What is the significance of the retreat?
A: The retreat is an annual gathering that kicks off the Catholic Church’s solemn Lenten season leading to Easter.
Q: What is the pope’s current condition?
A: The pope is stable and has consolidated improvements in recent days, as determined by blood tests and positive responses to drug treatments.
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