Pope Francis good No Longer in Imminent Danger From Pneumonia
Pope Francis received positive news from his doctors on Tuesday as they upgraded his prognosis, stating that he is no longer in imminent danger of death due to the double pneumonia that has kept him hospitalized for nearly a month. This marks the longest and most serious health challenge of his 12-year papacy.
Despite the improvement, the 88-year-old pope remains under medical care as doctors proceed with caution. He will continue to receive treatment and will likely require a period of rehabilitation. Medical assessments indicate that his condition has stabilized, with recent blood tests showing progress and a strong response to treatment. Francis, who has a chronic lung condition, continues to use supplemental oxygen during the day and a ventilation mask at night.
The Vatican reported that Francis woke up around 8 a.m. following a quiet night. While in the hospital, he has been waking later than his usual 4:30 a.m. schedule at the Vatican. Late Monday, doctors lifted their “guarded” prognosis, determining that he was no longer in immediate danger from the respiratory infection he was admitted with on February 14. However, they emphasized the need for continued hospitalization due to the complexity of his condition and the severity of the infection.
In a sign of recovery, Francis participated via videoconference in the Vatican’s weeklong spiritual retreat on Monday, attending both morning and afternoon sessions. He is expected to continue following the retreat throughout the week. This period also includes significant anniversaries for him, including the 67th anniversary of his entry into the Jesuit order on Tuesday and the 12th anniversary of his election as pope on Thursday. Francis, who had part of a lung removed in his youth, was initially diagnosed with bronchitis, which later developed into a more serious respiratory infection and double pneumonia, raising concerns about his ability to continue his duties.
Despite his hospitalization, he remains engaged with global events. The Vatican reported that he was informed about severe flooding in Argentina and extended his condolences to those affected. Additionally, a senior Vatican cardinal responded to media speculation regarding Francis’ health and alleged incidents involving close associates during his absence.
The Vatican’s development office released a letter from Cardinal Michael Czerny to Argentine social justice activist Juan Grabois, a close friend of Francis who traveled to Rome to pray for him. Some reports suggested that Grabois attempted to forcibly enter the pope’s hospital suite, a claim he denied. In the letter dated March 6, Czerny assured Grabois that Francis was aware of his presence and prayer vigils outside the hospital and found them to be a source of comfort.
Czerny also denounced misleading reports about alleged inappropriate behavior at the hospital, emphasizing the need to repudiate such claims. The Vatican has been rife with speculation regarding Francis’ health and potential successors, despite his continued leadership. The public defense of one of the pope’s friends indicates that the rumors and maneuvering surrounding his health have intensified during his hospitalization.
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