Doctors have reported that Pope Francis is no longer in imminent danger of death following a battle with double pneumonia that has kept him hospitalized for nearly a month.
The 88-year-old pontiff has been receiving treatment at Gemelli Hospital since February 14 for a severe respiratory infection, which has necessitated ongoing adjustments to his treatment plan. However, his condition has stabilized, and he has shown signs of improvement in recent days.
The Vatican announced that the pope’s medical team has revised an earlier “guarded” prognosis, indicating that he is no longer in immediate danger.
“The improvements observed in recent days have been further confirmed by blood tests and clinical evaluations, as well as a positive response to his medication,” the statement read.
Despite this encouraging news, the Vatican noted on Monday that Pope Francis will continue receiving medical treatment in a hospital setting for several more days, and a discharge date has not yet been determined.
Since entering the hospital, the pope has not been seen, marking the longest absence during his papacy.
Last week, he recorded a brief audio message that was played during a nightly prayer service for his health in St. Peter’s Square.
“I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers in the Square for my health,” he expressed in Spanish, pausing to take deep breaths. “May God bless you.”
