VATICAN CITY, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Pope Francis, now in his sixth day in the hospital receiving treatment for a respiratory infection, remains alert and shared he had breakfast on Wednesday, the Vatican reported in its latest update on the pontiff's delicate health.
The Vatican disclosed on Tuesday that the presence of double pneumonia had complicated the treatment for the 88-year-old pope, who was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14.
Double pneumonia is a severe infection that can inflame and scar both lungs, making breathing more challenging.
Earlier, the Vatican had noted that the pope was battling a polymicrobial infection involving two or more micro-organisms, indicating a "complex clinical situation" that required the pontiff to stay in the hospital for as long as needed.
An undisclosed Vatican official mentioned on Wednesday that Pope Francis was breathing unassisted and not dependent on a ventilator. The pope was able to rise from his bed, sit in an armchair, and continue with some work in his hospital room.
The Vatican is anticipated to release another update on the pope's condition later today.
Pope Francis has faced numerous health issues in recent years, such as recurring bouts of flu, sciatic nerve pain, and an abdominal hernia that was surgically corrected in 2023. Pleurisy afflicted him during his youth, leading to the removal of a portion of one lung.
All of the pope's forthcoming public appearances have been canceled through Sunday, and there are no further official events listed on the Vatican's calendar.
Rev. Dr. Andrea Vicini, a Jesuit priest and medical professional, highlighted the significance of the Vatican's terminology in Tuesday's statement, noting the distinction between the onset of pneumonia and bronchopneumonia. The former suggests a more localized infection, whereas the latter indicates a more widespread one.
Vicini, a professor at Boston College, expressed optimism based on the Vatican's handling of the situation, emphasizing the likelihood of a focused treatment once the pathogen is identified.
"I am optimistic. It seems they are controlling what is happening," Vicini remarked, while acknowledging he did not possess additional information beyond the Vatican's public announcements.