Pope Francis’ health has improved, Vatican sources say his condition is not critical at the moment

The Vatican noted to CBS News on Friday that Pope Francis’ health has improved, saying he is not in critical condition just two weeks after he happened to be treating bronchitis in the hospital. Pneumonia develops in both lungs.

“The clinical situation is still complex, and the criticality has subsided, but I will respect the doctor’s caution because the prognosis remains vigilant,” the source said. “There is no indication of how long the Pope may be hospitalized.

The Vatican provides brief updates on the health of the 88-year-old Pope twice a day, he Always improving In recent days, doctors have said his condition has been crucial.

CT chest scan Shooting Tuesday night The “normal evolution” of infection was shown during treatment. According to the Vatican update, blood tests confirmed improvements. With mild renal insufficiency detected a few days ago, Francis is continuing to receive respiratory therapy.

this Bilateral pneumonia The diagnosis of the Pope would be a worrying twist for any patient of his age, but it is especially worrying for Catholic church leaders who have long suffered from respiratory illness.

The Pope has maintained a very busy schedule and he was breathless at some public events earlier this month Diagnosed with bronchitis.

People have been gathering outside the Gemelli Hospital in Rome to show their support, and many have left messages and notes near the statue of former Pope John Paul II.

The Vatican said Francis thanked his supporters for his “intimacy” and asked people to pray for him.

It was the fourth hospitalization of the pope since taking over as the Roman Catholic Church in 2013. Abdominal surgery In 2021, another procedure was followed in 2023 to repair scar tissue and abdominal hernia. He has been temporarily hospitalized for pneumonia Earlier that year.

Francis was removed after a lung infection in his native Argentina, a young man, which made him susceptible to respiratory illness.

The Vatican announced earlier this month that Francis will not hold Sunday Mass this year at St. Peter’s Basilica this year due to his ongoing recovery. The Pope’s ongoing hospitalization is just before the annual Christian ritual for Lent begins. The 40-day Lent phase begins on Wednesday, ASH, which begins on March 5 this year.

Just before Easter last year, Francis refused to attend the Good Friday parade at the Colosseum to protect his health, but the Pope later led thousands of believers Easter celebrations.