Pope Francis’ medical condition has stabilized after nearly one week of medical treatment since being admitted into Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14, the Vatican said.
On Thursday morning, the Holy See Press Office informed journalists: “Pope Francis has had a restful night and this morning, got out of bed and had breakfast in an armchair.”
Since Feb. 14, the Holy Father has undergone a series of diagnostic tests and complex cortisone antibiotic treatments for bronchitis, respiratory infections, and pneumonia affecting both lungs.
Previous Vatican updates indicated that the 88-year-old pontiff has been able to receive the Eucharist, rest, read, work with his “closest collaborators,” and receive private guests on some days while at Gemelli.
Crux reported Wednesday that sources said the Holy Father has received the sacrament of anointing of the sick. Though “complex,” the pope’s condition is not considered grave.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the Holy Father was “alert and responsive” during her visit on Wednesday, saying: “He has not lost his legendary sense of humor.”
In light of the pope’s “slightly improved” health status, Pontifical Academy for Life president Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia said he is hopeful the pope “will return to the Vatican in a few weeks.”
“[His work] is more than valuable at a time like this,” Paglia told ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner.
Referring to the fragile political situations of Ukraine and the Holy Land, Paglia said: “It is even more important that the pope supports them and calls everyone back to justice, equality, and dialogue.”
As Catholics around the world unite in prayer for the head of the universal Church, parishes and religious communities in the Diocese of Rome continue to offer Masses and times of silent prayer for the pope.
“As one big family we ask that the Lord will give our bishop the strength he needs to face this delicate moment,” vicar general for the Diocese of Rome, Cardinal Baldassare Reina, said on Wednesday.
Groups of the Catholic faithful have also gathered outside Gemelli Hospital throughout the week to pray and leave written notes with well wishes for the Holy Father.
Other Christian leaders, including Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, have also united with the Catholic Church in prayer, Orthodox Times reported.
To date, the Vatican has not indicated when the pope could potentially be discharged from the hospital.
This article was originally published on Catholic News Agency.
