Pope Francis showing gradual improvement after pneumonia treatment, says Vatican

Pope Francis is showing signs of progress in his recovery from double pneumonia, according to a recent update from the Vatican. The pontiff, who has been hospitalized since February 14 due to a respiratory infection, has displayed a “gradual, slight improvement,” though his doctors continue to maintain a cautious outlook regarding his recovery.

"The stability, as a consequence, testifies to a good response to therapy," the Vatican's statement read, marking the first time medical staff confirmed that the pope's condition had improved. Despite the positive signs, doctors have opted to keep the prognosis guarded, emphasizing that Pope Francis is not yet out of danger.

Recovery in progress, but careful monitoring continues

As Pope Francis enters his fourth week at Rome's Gemelli hospital, his condition has stabilized following a series of acute respiratory crises last week. Despite the progress, the pontiff has been relying on supplemental oxygen to aid his breathing during the day and uses a noninvasive mechanical ventilation mask at night.

Doctors have been careful to describe his condition as "guarded," highlighting that it remains crucial to monitor his progress in the coming days. "In order to record these initial improvements in the coming days as well, his doctors have prudently maintained the prognosis as guarded," the Vatican said.

Vatican operations continue amid Pope’s absence

Despite Pope Francis's extended hospitalisation, the day-to-day operations of the Vatican continue uninterrupted. On Saturday, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, celebrated Mass at St. Peter's Basilica for an anti-abortion group, delivering a message from the pope.

In his message, dated March 5, Pope Francis urged the faithful to advocate for the protection of life, both for the unborn and for the elderly, those who are no longer independent, or the incurably ill. “We must protect life from birth to natural death,” the pope wrote, emphasizing the church's pro-life stance.

Continued prayers and solidarity for the Pope

Later on Saturday, Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny, a close collaborator of Pope Francis, presided over the nightly prayers for the pope's recovery. Czerny will return on Sunday to celebrate the Holy Year Mass for volunteers, a ceremony Pope Francis had originally been scheduled to lead.