VATICAN CITY, March 12 (Reuters) - The Vatican announced on Wednesday that Pope Francis remains in stable condition in the hospital, with a recent chest scan indicating improvement in his battle against double pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14 due to a severe respiratory infection requiring ongoing treatment.
According to the latest medical update, the Vatican reported that the pope's clinical status remains stable, with a chest X-ray on Tuesday showing "confirmed improvements observed in previous days."
While Francis has been described as stable or improving for over a week, there is no specified timeline for his discharge. His doctors mentioned on Monday that he had experienced four acute respiratory crises during his three-week treatment, mentioning the seriousness of the situation.
Due to a history of pleurisy and partial lung removal, Francis is vulnerable to lung infections. He has been receiving oxygen therapy and respiratory physiotherapy during his hospitalization to aid his breathing, along with physical therapy for mobility issues stemming from knee and back discomfort that led to wheelchair use in recent years.
The pope has not been seen in public since his admission, marking the longest absence of his papacy, which began in 2013. Although the Vatican has not released any images of Francis in the hospital, he recorded a message on March 6 to express gratitude to well-wishers. Medical experts not involved in his care have suggested potential challenges ahead, considering his age and existing medical conditions.