Pope Francis, for the first time in more than three weeks of hospitalisation, showed “slight improvement.”
According to CBS News, the Vatican on Saturday, March 8, 2025, said the 88-year-old who has been admitted to a hospital in Rome is responding well to the treatment and showed “gradual, slight improvement" recently.
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It stated, “The clinical condition of the Holy Father in recent days has remained stable and, consequently, indicates a good response to the treatment. There is therefore a gradual, slight improvement."
“In order to record these initial improvements in the coming days as well, his doctors have prudently maintained the prognosis as guarded,” it added.
The update came after the pope experienced a concerning episode of acute respiratory failure on Monday, March 3, 2025.
The CNN's Vatican source has revealed that the “slight” improvement occurred due to the “gas exchange” in his lungs and oxygenation of the blood. However, the risk of another crisis is still there.
The pope continues to receive oxygen treatment, high flows of supplemental oxygen during the day, and a noninvasive mechanical ventilation mask at night.
The sources have told CNN that Francis will most probably participate in the traditional “spiritual exercises” on Monday, March 9, 2025, for Lent from the hospital.
Related: Pope Francis issues first audio message from hospital bed
