Pope Francis is no longer considered to be in immediate danger from the pneumonia that led to his hospitalization, according to a Vatican source.
The pope was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital in mid-February after being diagnosed with pneumonia affecting both of his lungs.
The Vatican confirmed that for the first time since his admission, doctors have revised their prognosis, citing positive developments in his clinical condition.
Despite the improvements, the pope’s health remains “complex,” and he is not yet fully out of danger, the source added.
While there is no specific timeline for his discharge, Pope Francis continues to receive oxygen therapy, the same treatment he has been undergoing in recent days.
On Monday, the Vatican announced that the pope participated remotely in the spiritual exercises for Lent, where Vatican leaders come together for prayer and reflection.
He also received the Eucharist and prayed in the hospital chapel.
The 88-year-old pontiff is undergoing both motor and respiratory therapy as prescribed by doctors and is now able to eat solid foods.
He alternates between non-invasive mechanical ventilation with a mask at night and high-flow oxygen therapy through nasal cannulas during the day.
