The health condition of Pope Francis, who is battling bilateral pneumonia in hospital, is slowly improving and the need for non-invasive mechanical ventilation at night to ease breathing is decreasing, the Vatican announced on Saturday.
“The clinical condition of the Holy Father has remained stable, confirming the progress observed in the past week,” reads the latest information about the 88-year-old Pope, who was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14.
Francis, who is prone to lung infections, has not been seen in public since being admitted to hospital, his longest absence.
And this Sunday, for the fifth week in a row, he will be absent from the weekly prayer with the pilgrims.
The Vatican said Francis continues to receive treatment, respiratory physiotherapy and physical therapy for his mobility. “These therapies are currently showing further, incremental improvements,” the statement said.
He receives oxygen in the hospital, including a mask at night. “High-flow oxygen therapy continues, gradually reducing the need for non-invasive mechanical ventilation during nighttime hours,” the statement added.
The Vatican did not give a time frame for his release from the hospital, saying his recovery was slow.
It now publishes medical reports every few days, compared to twice a day previously.
Pope had pleurisy as a young man and part of one of his lungs was removed. He is known to work himself to exhaustion, and he continued to work even from the hospital.
On Saturday, the Vatican announced that earlier this week Francis approved a new three-year process to review reforms for the global Catholic Church, a sign that he intends to continue as pope despite his health problems.
