The Vatican announced on Monday that Pope Francis, who had been hospitalized for the longest period since his election due to pneumonia, was no longer in immediate danger.
The Vatican stated that the improvements observed over the past few days have been further reinforced, as confirmed by blood tests and clinical evaluations. They also noted a positive response to medication.
As a result, the medical team has determined that the Pope’s health is no longer critical and has decided to lift the “guarded” prognosis.
However, the Vatican stated that the Pope would continue to receive medication at the hospital for the next few days. According to Reuters, the exact date of his discharge has not been disclosed.
The 88-year-old Pope has been hospitalized for 25 days, the longest stretch since he assumed the papacy in March 2013.
The Pope was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 with a severe respiratory illness, later diagnosed as bilateral pneumonia. His condition worsened at one point due to breathing difficulties but has since gradually improved.
The Pope uses a small oxygen tube under his nose during the day and sleeps at night with non-invasive ventilatory support.