Pope Francis: Improved Health and Hope for Holy Week!

Pope Francis: Improved Health and Hope for Holy Week!

Pope Francis shows progress in his recovery, nine days after being released from hospital. According to information from the Vatican press office, the 88-year-old pope's breathing and speaking ability have improved. However, his participation in the upcoming Holy Week celebrations remains uncertain. An X-ray documented a decrease in lung infections, and Pope's blood work is normal. This positive trend is supported by continued treatment and recovery at the Santa Marta guesthouse, where the pope works at the desk and concelebrates mass every morning in the second-floor chapel, reports vienna.at.

On the recommendation of the treating doctors, Francis continues not to receive visitors, with the exception of health workers and closest associates. The next information on the modalities of the Angelus prayer will be announced on Friday. The situation remains dynamic, as the Pope is expected to take it easy and avoid contact until mid-May at the latest in order to minimize the risk of reinfection.

Hospital treatment and stability

The Pope's recovery was initially marked by worries. He was in Gemelli Hospital for 37 days due to severe respiratory infections and had a final respiratory crisis a week ago. Since then his condition has stabilized and improved. Doctors at the Gemelli Clinic recently reported moderately improved health and reversed their previously cautious prognosis. The Pope's clinical condition is now described as "remaining stable," confirmed vaticannews.va.

Francis took part in the Curia's retreat at the Vatican via video on Monday morning and received the Eucharist. Despite the progress, he remains in the hospital under pharmacological therapy. While the pneumonia has not yet been overcome, doctors remain cautiously optimistic about further developments in his health.

The next few days will show whether the Pope will be able to take part in the Holy Week ceremonies. At the moment it remains to be seen how his health will develop. In the meantime, Francis is focused on his recovery and daily spiritual practice.