ROME — Pope Francis has demonstrated a mild but notable improvement in his health as he continues to battle double pneumonia. The Vatican released an update Wednesday, revealing that a chest CT scan showed “normal evolution” of the infection, indicating that the medical treatments are effectively addressing the illness. The 88-year-old pontiff, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, remains hospitalized in Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where he is receiving high flows of supplemental oxygen. Since Feb. 14, Francis has been battling a complex lung infection that has kept him in critical condition, exacerbated by chronic lung disease and a recent bout of bronchitis.

Doctors Remain Cautious, Prognosis Guarded

The pope’s health status remains described as “guarded,” meaning his prognosis continues to bear significant risks. Recent blood tests have shown some positive signs, with improved platelet counts and a reduction in anemia. Additionally, a slight kidney insufficiency detected a few days ago has also receded, medical advisers confirmed.

Francis has been undergoing respiratory physiotherapy to help expel fluid from his lungs. This development suggests that his condition, while still serious, is being more actively managed with therapeutic interventions.

Continued Vatican Responsibilities

Despite his health challenges, Francis resumed work in his hospital room on Tuesday, receiving the Eucharist in the morning. In a sign that Vatican operations at the Holy See continue, the papacy announced several key decisions from Francis on Wednesday. These include the appointment of four new bishops and the approval of a new fundraising initiative to encourage donations to the Holy See, which has faced a financial crisis for years. These developments underscore Francis’s continued involvement in governance despite his hospitalization.

Pilgrims Offer Support and Prayers

Francis’s illness has sparked an outpouring of support and prayer. The hospital grounds near the statue of St. John Paul II have become a makeshift pilgrimage site for well-wishers. Many have gathered here, especially church groups in town for the Vatican’s Holy Year, lighting candles and leaving balloons and get-well cards for the ailing pontiff.

“Because when a family has someone who is sick, it is very important that they are surrounded, it is necessary that everyone is near to them, and all the people of God are close to the pope,” said Bishop Gerardo Villalonga ,who led a group of 50 pilgrims from Menorca, Spain, to the site.

At dusk, a rendition of Schubert’s “Ave Maria” by trumpeter Felice Carella and singer Davide Capuano serenaded the pope from beneath his hospital window. Capuano said, “For me this is not a simple song, this is a big prayer for the pope so that he will better”.

Vatican Prayer Vigil and Future Leadership

The dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, was designated to lead the Vatican’s prayer vigil in St. Peter’s Square. As the dean, Re will play a crucial role in a future possible conclave, where the Catholic Church selects a new pope. Re mentioned, “He presides over a papal funeral and organizes the conclave to elect a new pope.”

The faithful from Francis’ homeland, meanwhile, gathered in
Francis’ homeland Roman church for a special Mass presided over by Cardinal Baldassarre Reina. Reina, also celebrated the lunchtime Mass on Wednesday at Gemelli, to pray for Francis.

Public’s Reactions

In Francis’ homeland another nun, Sister Nilda Trejo , an Argentine nun, reflected on Francis’s health battle sharing his breathing issues, speaking powerfully, and infecting the congregation with possibilities.The public aches for to rest Godly. “We knew that he often found it difficult,” she shared.

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