Pope Francis is making a positive recovery from pneumonia, according to the Vatican, a week after he was hospitalized in Rome.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who was admitted to Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic on February 14, is reportedly responding well to medical treatment and has shown slight improvement in his condition.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Vatican shared that Pope Francis received the Eucharist and resumed “work activities” as part of his recovery process.
His heart is reportedly in good health, and he is not experiencing any fever, though he has been receiving oxygen to assist with his breathing.
The pope’s pneumonia diagnosis followed a series of tests for a respiratory infection, with a later CT scan revealing pneumonia in both lungs.
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The pontiff, originally from Argentina, has a history of respiratory vulnerabilities. As a young man, he battled severe pneumonia that led to the removal of part of his lung.
In 2021, he also underwent surgery for diverticulitis, a condition affecting the colon, and he was hospitalized for bronchitis in 2023.
While the pope has faced some health challenges in recent years, including two falls resulting in bruises and a sling for his arm, the Vatican remains hopeful about his recovery.
Doctors have recommended complete rest for Pope Francis, leading to the cancellation of his public events until at least Saturday.
Despite his hospitalization, Pope Francis has maintained his trademark sense of humor. On Wednesday, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited him, reporting that they “joked as always” during their 20-minute meeting.
