ROME (AP) - Pope Francis has entered the fifth week of hospitalization for double pneumonia, with medical updates indicating a positive trajectory in his recovery. On Friday, the Vatican announced a change in the frequency of medical updates, suggesting a more optimistic outlook regarding the pope's health. They have ceased issuing daily briefings about his sleep and morning routines, signaling an improvement.
At 88 years old, Pope Francis is no longer in critical condition, according to his doctors. However, they have stressed that his health remains complicated due to his advanced age, limited mobility, and a prior lung condition stemming from his youth where he lost part of a lung. The pope was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome on February 14 following a severe case of bronchitis that affected his ability to speak. Shortly thereafter, doctors diagnosed him with double pneumonia and a polymicrobial infection involving bacterial, viral, and fungal components.
During the initial three weeks of his hospitalization, the pope's condition fluctuated significantly, experiencing several setbacks including respiratory crises, mild kidney failure, and severe coughing episodes. In recent updates, however, physicians have focused on his ongoing physical and respiratory therapy. Notably, they have adapted his oxygen delivery system, employing a non-invasive ventilation mask at night and high-flow oxygen through nostril tubes during the day to assist with his breathing.
This week, an X-ray confirmed positive developments, revealing that the infection responsible for the pneumonia was clearing. Due to the lack of new significant updates, doctors canceled a previously scheduled briefing on Friday, stating that the next update would be provided later that Saturday. However, no information has been given regarding the anticipated duration of the pope's hospitalization.
Despite his health challenges, Pope Francis participated in Lenten spiritual exercises from his hospital room, which Vatican officials noted may indicate a lighter workload during this period. On Thursday, he received a cake and numerous well-wishes on the 12th anniversary of his papacy, reflecting public support and concern for his health.
The only public message from Pope Francis since his hospitalization was a recorded audio message, expressing gratitude for the prayers he has received for his recovery. This message was played in St. Peter's Square during a nightly recitation of the rosary prayer, providing a glimpse of his continued connection with the faithful. For the past four Sundays, the traditional papal blessing delivered from the window of the papal apartment overlooking St. Peter's Square has been shared in text form, maintaining the ritual while the Pope remains hospitalized.
As people gathered outside the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome on Saturday, candles, flowers, and messages of support were seen, reflecting the concern of the public for the health of the Pontiff. While the path to recovery remains complex, the easing of his condition offers some hope for the Pope and his supporters globally.
