ROME (AP) – Pope Francis entered the fifth week of hospital treatment for dual pneumonia on Saturday as signs of recovery remained on a positive trajectory.
Working at Gemeri Hospital, Francis approved a three-year implementation and evaluation process for a reform project aimed at making the church a more welcoming and responsive location. The Vatican Office of Synod, or the Bishops’ gathering, has released schedules and implemented reforms through 2028, and said Francis approved the calendar last week.
In a new medical update, the Vatican said doctors are working to reduce the pope’s nighttime dependence on non-invasive ventilation masks.
The doctor said that although the Pope’s condition is stable, he still needs hospitalization for both physical and respiratory therapy, and “shows even more progressive improvements,” the Vatican said Saturday in its first medical update of three days.
In addition to treatment, the clergy spent the day praying, resting, and alternating several tasks.
The Vatican has announced that it will provide medical updates on the Pope more frequently, which is what it calls positive developments. The next medical update will take place within next week, according to the Vatican. It also stopped issuing a brief morning recommendation that the Pope had slept well and began his day.
This week’s doctors continue to emphasize that the 88-year-old Pope is no longer in a significant and life-threatening condition, but his condition is complicated by his age as a young man, lack of mobility and lung loss.
Francis was admitted to the hospital on February 14th after a bronchitis match, making it difficult for him to speak. The doctors immediately added a diagnosis of dual pneumonia and multi-microbial (bacterial, viral, fungal) infections.
The first three weeks of his hospitalization were marked by a roller coaster with set-folding, including respiratory crisis, mild kidney failure, and severe coughing fit.
However, this week’s medical update focuses on his continued physical and respiratory therapy, as well as spinning from high-flow oxygen via daytime nostril tubes, and nighttime non-invasive ventilation masks to ensure his rest. X-rays this week confirmed that the infection has been removed. Doctors have not shown how long Francis will be hospitalized.
This week’s Pope took part in a Lenten spiritual exercise from a hospital that Vatican officials said suggested lighter workloads. He received cakes and hundreds of messages in good wishes for him on Thursday on his 12th anniversary of the Pope.
The only official indication of life from the Pope since his hospitalization was a recorded audio message thanking people for his recovery in weak and struggling voices. It was performed at St. Peter’s Square earlier this month for the faithful people who gathered for the evening reading of the Rosary Prayer.
The traditional blessings that the Pope delivered through a window overlooking St. Peter’s Square on the past four Sundays were released as text.
