VATICAN CITY, March 3 (Reuters) - The Vatican reported on Monday that the 88-year-old pontiff, who has been hospitalized for 18 days battling double pneumonia, "rested well overnight and is in a stable condition." He is using mechanical ventilation to breathe but has been fever-free, according to the latest medical update issued on Sunday evening.
In a brief update on Monday morning, the Vatican mentioned, "The pope rested well all night," without providing further details. A comprehensive medical update on the pope's condition is anticipated for Monday evening.
Pope Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14 with severe respiratory issues that quickly developed into a serious lung infection affecting both lungs, impairing his breathing.
Despite the upturn in the Vatican's updates regarding the pope's health since Friday when he experienced respiratory difficulties requiring non-invasive mechanical ventilation, the statement stressed a guarded prognosis due to the intricate nature of his condition.
Having faced health challenges over the past two years, the pope remains susceptible to lung infections due to prior health issues. His current hospitalization marks his longest period out of the public eye since assuming the papacy in March 2013, with no indication provided by his medical team on the duration of his treatment.