The Vatican announced Wednesday evening that Pope Francis has shown slight further improvement in his battle with double pneumonia, though doctors still consider his prognosis guarded.
A CT chest scan from Tuesday evening indicated the infection was progressing normally under treatment, while blood tests confirmed continued improvement, according to the Vatican’s latest update.
The mild kidney insufficiency detected days earlier has subsided, and for the first time, the Vatican disclosed that Francis is undergoing respiratory physiotherapy to help clear fluid from his lungs.
After receiving the Eucharist in the morning, Francis resumed work in the afternoon.
As leader of the Catholic Church, Francis’ health remains a central concern for the more than 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide. His hospitalization since February 14 marks the latest in a series of health challenges he has faced in recent years, raising questions about his ability to continue fulfilling his demanding role.
During his tenure, Francis has focused on modernizing the Church, pushed for social justice and addressed global issues such as climate change and migration. His influence extends beyond religious communities, making his health a matter of global interest.
Earlier Wednesday, the Vatican reported that Francis remained in a critical but stable condition and was resting Wednesday in the hospital as Catholics gather in Rome to pray for him.
“The pope spent a quiet night and is resting,” said the typically brief early morning statement from the Vatican.
The 88-year-old pontiff is receiving treatment at Gemelli hospital in Rome, where he continues to work while being closely monitored by doctors.
Despite his condition, Francis has remained active in overseeing Church governance. On Tuesday, he met with senior advisers and made several administrative decisions.
Meanwhile, Romans and visitors gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the nightly Rosary prayer, led by Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle.
Pope Francis will remain under close observation at the hospital as he continues his treatment. Vatican officials have not indicated when he might be discharged, but medical experts emphasize that rest and isolation will be crucial for his recuperation.