Pope Francis, who has been battling pneumonia for two weeks, is showing signs of improvement, according to a medical update from the Vatican. Despite his improving condition, the 88-year-old will remain in the hospital due to a complex clinical picture. The Pope had a “peaceful night” and is currently resting at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, according to reports. Initially admitted on February 14th due to breathing difficulties, he was first treated for bronchitis before being diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs. On February 22nd, the Vatican reported that the Pope experienced a respiratory crisis and was in a “critical” condition; however, they later updated that he had not presented any further respiratory crises. In response to his illness, the Pope requested Catholics to pray for him after he missed the traditional Angelus prayer for the second consecutive week. While his health is improving, further days of clinical stability are necessary to accurately determine the prognosis. The Pope’s susceptibility to pneumonia stems from a lung infection and partial lung removal he suffered as a young man. Throughout his 12-year tenure as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis has been hospitalized multiple times, with his most recent bronchitis treatment in March 2023. As the first Latin American and Jesuit to lead the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis hails from Argentina.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd655917g6qo