Pope FrancisPope Francis continues to show signs of recovery, the latest communication from the Vatican’s Holy See press office has said.
In the latest briefing on his health on Friday, the Vatican announced that the Pope continued showing clinical improvements as he recovered at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City.
This was following his hospitalization weeks ago after he developed a polymicrobial infection that resulted in bilateral pneumonia.
The Vatican said that his breathing, movement and speech abilities were showing signs of recovery.
“Pope Francis’ condition has shown further slight respiratory, mobility, and voice-related improvements. Recent blood tests also indicate a slight improvement in his pulmonary infection,” they said.
The Holy father has continued his medical, mobility and respiratory-related therapies; he also requires less supplemental oxygen.”
They added that the Pope was in good spirits and carried out with his duties.
Pope Francis was released from Rome's Gemelli Hospital with "protected discharge" on Sunday, March 23.
On Wednesday, the Pope followed the Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, presided over by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the death of Saint John Paul II.
On Friday morning, the Holy Father followed the Lenten meditation held in the Vatican's Paul VI Hall, held by the Preacher of the Papal Household, Father Roberto Pasolini, OFM Cap, via a video link.
The Press Office, however, noted there have not been visits to note, adding that it is still too early to discuss the Pope's participation in Holy Week liturgies.
The 88-year-old pontiff reportedly suffered two episodes of "acute respiratory failure" last month.
Doctors were forced to intervene to clear mucus from the Pope's lungs, an update from the Holy See said, though it said he was alert throughout.
He dealt with multiple complications but exhibited signs of improvement along the way.
The next briefing on the Holy Father will be on Tuesday, April 8.
