Pope Francis, who is battling pneumonia in both lungs, was up and out of bed on Wednesday after a peaceful night, a Vatican source has confirmed.
The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 due to breathing difficulties, with his condition deteriorating over the weekend, sparking widespread concern among Catholics worldwide.
Following severe respiratory attacks that required high levels of oxygen and blood transfusions, the Vatican has stated that the pope’s condition has now stabilised. However, he remains in critical condition.
Now in his 13th day at the hospital, Francis was reported to be sitting in a chair and continuing with the treatment as normal, according to a Vatican source.
A brief official update from the Holy See earlier in the day said he had passed a peaceful night and is resting.
As Catholics around the world continue to pray for Francis, medical experts have cautioned that his recovery could be prolonged, with the pope likely to remain in the hospital beyond this week.
A medical bulletin released on Tuesday evening confirmed that his clinical condition remains critical but stable.
There have been no acute respiratory episodes and haemodynamic parameters continue to be stable, the Vatican said, referring to key health indicators such as heart rate and blood pressure.
Francis underwent a new scan on Tuesday evening for radiological monitoring of bilateral pneumonia, the Vatican added. The prognosis remains reserved.
Despite his fragile health, the leader of the world’s nearly 1.4 billion Catholics has continued to oversee Church matters from his hospital suite.
On Wednesday, the Vatican confirmed that he signed off on a series of bishop appointments.
Meanwhile, pilgrims and faithful have been gathering in large numbers at both the Vatican and Gemelli Hospital to offer prayers for the pope’s recovery.
A special round of prayers is scheduled to be held in St Peter’s Square on Wednesday evening.
