The Vatican reports that Pope Francis’s scan indicates a “normal evolution” of lung inflammation, while his kidney issue has “resolved.”
Pope Francis has shown "further, slight improvement" as he continues to recover from pneumonia at the age of 88, the Vatican announced Wednesday.
A CT scan of his chest indicated that the inflammation in his lungs is progressing normally, while the "mild kidney insufficiency" diagnosed on Sunday has now resolved, according to the evening update.
"The clinical condition of the Holy Father in the last 24 hours has shown a further, slight improvement," the statement read, though it did not clarify whether his condition remains critical. His doctors, however, remain cautious in their prognosis.
Francis is now spending his 13th night at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where he is reportedly eating normally and continuing to fulfill some of his work duties. A Vatican official said he has received an outpouring of letters and cards wishing him well.
Nightly prayer vigils for the pope’s recovery are ongoing at St. Peter’s Basilica, as well as in towns and cities across Italy and beyond. Some have also gathered outside Gemelli, the preferred hospital for pontiffs.
Francis was admitted on February 14 and later diagnosed with a respiratory tract infection and pneumonia in both lungs. He is particularly vulnerable to lung infections, having suffered from pleurisy as a young man, which led to the partial removal of one lung while he was training for the priesthood in Argentina.
The pope has faced several health challenges in recent years. He was hospitalized in March 2023 with pneumonia and underwent a colon operation in June 2021. He has frequently been seen using a wheelchair or walking stick due to sciatic nerve pain and a knee condition.
Read next
20:30
Pope Francis
Pope Francis' health was so precarious during his recent 38-day hospital stay that his doctors considered halting treatment at one point, allowing him to pass away peacefully, according to the head of his medical team.
22:00
Pope Francis
After spending 38 days in hospital battling double pneumonia, Pope Francis made his first public appearance on Sunday since February 14 and returned to the Vatican.
07:36
Pope Francis has welcomed the progress in the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He described the steps taken toward peace in the South Caucasus as a "sign of hope" and emphasized that this process could serve as an example for resolving other conflicts.
15:12
Pope Francis
Pope Francis appeared publicly for the first time in more than five weeks on Sunday, offering a brief wave from a balcony at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital before leaving the facility.
21:33
Pope Recovery
Pope Francis will be discharged from the hospital on Sunday after 38 days of treatment for life-threatening pneumonia. Doctors report steady recovery, though he will require two months of rest and rehabilitation.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment