Pope Francis is showing signs of recovery a week after returning to his Vatican guesthouse following a lengthy hospitalization. The Vatican confirmed on Tuesday that the pontiff's health has improved since his discharge from Policlinico A. Gemelli in Rome, where he was treated for pneumonia and other complications during a 38-day stay.
Doctors previously expressed concern for the Pope's life due to severe health episodes, including a breathing crisis and a bronchial spasm. Thankfully, he was discharged on March 23 and has since been recuperating at the Vatican.
According to the latest updates, recent blood tests returned normal results, and an X-ray indicated a slight improvement in his lung condition. While the 88-year-old pontiff still requires oxygen for much of the day, the Vatican noted that he can intermittently go without it. Reports on his therapy indicate positive outcomes with improved vocal capabilities and increased mobility.
Since leaving the hospital, Francis has not made any public appearances except for a brief greeting from a balcony to well-wishers, where his frailty was evident. In that encounter, he struggled to bless the crowd, a poignant reminder of the health challenges he faced.
In compliance with medical advice, he has foregone visitors and instead spends his days engaged in celebration of Mass with fellow priests and working from his desk. Throughout this recovery, he has also taken action in official church matters, including approving canonizations and appointing bishops. His reflections during the recent Angelus prayer provided insights into his own health journey. He encouraged the faithful to embrace the Lenten season as a time for healing, sharing his personal experience of healing in both soul and body.
Elisabetta Povoledo continues to monitor Pope Francis and the Vatican's developments from Rome, bringing vital insight into the pontiff's health and activities.
