Pope Francis is currently stable in the hospital, with a recent chest scan indicating improvements in his condition, according to the Vatican. This marks a positive development as he continues to combat double pneumonia.
The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 due to a severe respiratory infection that required evolving treatment protocols. The latest medical update from the Vatican reassured the public that “the Pope’s clinical condition is stable,” which is certainly welcomed news.
Just yesterday, a chest X-ray confirmed “improvements observed in previous days,” showcasing the progress he’s made. His doctors shared on Monday that he is no longer in immediate danger, following a challenging three-week period that featured four acute respiratory crises.
It’s important to remember that Pope Francis is more susceptible to lung infections due to having had pleurisy in his younger years and undergoing lung surgery to remove part of one lung. Throughout his hospital stay, he has been receiving oxygen and participating in respiratory physiotherapy to aid his breathing. Additionally, he continues with physical therapy to enhance his mobility, as he’s relied on a wheelchair due to chronic knee and back pain.
As he approaches the 12th anniversary of his election to the papacy, which he will celebrate tomorrow, it’s notable that he has not appeared in public since his hospitalization—this absence is the longest of his papacy. While the Vatican has not released any images of him during this time, they did share a brief audio message in which he expressed gratitude to those who have been keeping him in their thoughts and prayers.
Despite these hopeful updates, doctors who are not directly involved in his care have cautioned that Pope Francis is likely to face a long and challenging recovery journey, given his advanced age and other health concerns. As we continue to send our best wishes for his swift recovery, it’s worth reflecting on the sentiment that “the greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
