Pope Francis has been dealing with health issues following his initial admission to Gemelli Hospital in Rome on February 14. Almost a month later, an encouraging update for all Catholics around the world was issued by the Vatican, as doctors have lifted the Holy Father's "guarded" prognosis.
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This good news was shared by the Vatican on Monday, March 10. They confirmed that Pope Francis remains stable and has been improving for the past few days.
"The improvements recorded in previous days have been further consolidated, as confirmed by both blood tests and clinical findings, as well as by the Pope's good response to pharmacological therapy," the Vatican said in a statement, as per Aleteia. "For these reasons, the doctors have decided today to lift their guarded prognosis."
Despite the encouraging news, the Pope will remain hospitalized while he receives treatment. According to the Vatican's statement, this is due to the "complexity of the Pope's clinical picture and the severe infection present at the time of hospitalization." Pope Francis will continue to receive pharmacological at Gemelii Hospital.
Pope Recovery
The Vatican also provided some additional news regarding the Pope's scheduled activities. He managed to join the spiritual exercises celebrated at Paul VI Hall as well as the Curia's spiritual exercises. He joined both via a video link.
"This morning, the Holy Father was able to follow the Spiritual Exercises via a video link with the Paul VI Hall; he then received the Eucharist and went to the chapel of his private apartment for a moment of prayer," the statement reads. "In the afternoon, he again joined the Curia's Spiritual Exercises, following them via video link. Throughout the day, he alternated between prayer and rest."
Most recently, on Thursday, March 6, Pope Francis thanked his supporters by sharing a pre-recorded message. Said message was played in St. Peter's Square to a gathered crowd. This prompted an emotional round of applause from the people who were praying for the Holy Father's health.
"I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the Square, I accompany you from here," Pope Francis said in the message, reported by CNN. "May God bless you and the Virgin protect you. Thank you."
