Pope Francis is recovering well from double pneumonia treatment and is improving gradually, the Vatican confirmed on Saturday. The 88-year-old pontiff has been under treatment at Rome’s Gemelli hospital for more than three weeks after contracting a serious respiratory infection.
Pope’s Health Condition Remains Stable
A thorough medical update from the Vatican reported, “The clinical condition of the Holy Father in recent days has remained stable and, consequently, indicates a good response to the treatment.”
The report also established that Francis has not had a fever, and his blood test results are stable. Physicians noticed “a gradual, slight improvement” in his general condition but kept their guard up to make sure the improvement persists.
Extended Hospitalization Raises Concerns
Pope Francis has not appeared in public since he was hospitalized, his longest absence from public view since becoming pope 12 years ago. His doctors have not released a projected date for his discharge.
Independent medical experts outside his care estimate recovery to be protracted based on his age and prior medical ailments. Francis has experienced numerous recent health reversals and is susceptible to infections in his lungs even after undergoing removal of a segment of a lung during his young adult years.
The Vatican has been taking a cautiously optimistic note in recent news. Earlier it was reported that the pope had experienced two spells of “acute respiratory insufficiency” on March 3. Despite those setbacks, the doctors are optimistic that his treatment is bearing fruits.
Double pneumonia, which inflames and scars both lungs, may lead to severe breathing problems, especially in older people. The Vatican remains close to monitoring his health, providing him with the required medical attention.
The Catholic world around the globe continues to hope for the complete recovery of Pope Francis. Although his health has been weak over the past few years, Vatican officials are hopeful about his recovery.
