Pope Francis is in stable condition and his blood tests indicate a slight improvement, as the 88-year-old pontiff continues to battle pneumonia in hospital. Source: NCR Online.
“The Holy Father’s clinical conditions appear to be stable,” said a Vatican statement released at 7pm local time (5am AEDT). “Blood tests, evaluated by the medical staff, show a slight improvement, particularly in inflammatory markers.”
The statement also noted that the Pope read newspapers and did some work with some of the closest advisers. He also received the Eucharist prior to lunch.
While Francis has undergone four hospitalisations – two related to intestinal surgeries and two for respiratory complications – this marks the most serious health crisis of his 12-year papacy. The Pope has been hospitalised for six days for a respiratory infection that has developed into pneumonia in both lungs.
Vatican sources say the Pope does not need supplemental oxygen and that he is getting out of bed to sit in an armchair from time to time. They also note that the pontiff’s heart remains in good condition.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, visited the Pope to offer him wishes for a speedy recovery.
“I am very happy to have found him alert and responsive,” she said in a statement. “We joked as always. He has not lost his legendary sense of humour.”
With the exception of a few close papal aides, Ms Meloni is the first known outside visitor to call on the Pope since his hospitalisation began. According to a Vatican statement, the two spent 20 minutes together meeting in private.
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Vatican: Pope Francis shows ‘slight improvement’ in pneumonia hospitalisation (By Christopher White, NCR Online)
