Pope Francis: “No Imminent Danger”

Pope Francis’s condition continues to improve.

Key points:

A Vatican source told the US ABC network, that the pontiff is no longer in “imminent danger”.

But his condition remains “complex”.

The Vatican said that the Pope had shown a “good response” to his treatment.

Hospitalisation

Pope Francis has been in hospital now for 25 days.

He was first admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 with bronchitis.

The Vatican said that the Pope had shown a “good response” to his treatment.

Days later, the Vatican revealed the pontiff was battling pneumonia in both lungs, but no prognosis was provided.

“The complexity of the clinical picture, and the necessary wait for pharmacological therapies to provide some feedback, require that the prognosis remain reserved,” a Vatican statement read.

A week after his admittance to hospital, blood tests revealed the 88-year-old was showing “mild signs” of kidney failure.

The Vatican said the Pope had “initial, mild, renal insufficiency”.  

Prognosis lifted

The Vatican has now revealed that doctors have “lifted” the Pope’s guarded prognosis, meaning that they have determined he is no longer in imminent danger.

As the Vatican explained, he will remain in hospital for the time being.

The Holy See Press Office released a statement reporting that the Holy Father’s condition was “stable”.

“In view of the complexity of the clinical picture and the important infectious picture presented on admission, it will be necessary to continue medical drug therapy in a hospital setting for additional days,” the Vatican said.

Stable

Overnight, the Holy See Press Office released a statement reporting that the Holy Father’s condition was “stable”.

“The improvements recorded in previous days have been further consolidated, as confirmed by both blood tests and clinical findings, as well as by the Pope’s good response to pharmacological therapy,” the statement said.

His treatment also includes respiratory therapy and motor physiotherapy.

Spiritual retreat

In a further good sign for the Pontiff, Francis attended a Lenten spiritual retreat on Monday.

He attended the retreat remotely, via videoconference.

The Vatican previously reported that Francis would remotely participate “in spiritual communion” with the rest of the Vatican hierarchy.

The week-long retreat is an annual Vatican gathering that begins the season of Lent, leading to Easter.

The Vatican previously reported that Francis would remotely participate “in spiritual communion” with the rest of the Vatican hierarchy.

Pope’s gratitude

As a result of his hospitalisation, Francis missed his weekly blessing at Saint Peter’s Square for the fourth consecutive Sunday.

However, he sent a message to be read out, which paid tribute to staff at Gemelli Hospital.

“While I am here, I think of the many people who are.. close to the sick,” he said of the medical staff.

“During my prolonged hospitalisation here, I too experience the thoughtfulness of service and the tenderness of care, in particular from the doctors and health care workers, whom I thank from the bottom of my heart.”

Feature image: Photos by CanvaPro