The Pope’s condition is showing a “further, slight improvement”, the Vatican has said.
In its latest update on the 88-year-old pontiff, the Vatican said a mild kidney insufficiency that had developed days ago has now receded.
It stressed, however, that, “although there is a slight improvement, the prognosis remains reserved”.
The Pope has been at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since 14 February and is being treated for double pneumonia and chronic bronchitis.
A CT chest scan taken on Tuesday evening showed the “normal evolution” of pneumonia as it is being treated. Blood tests have confirmed an improvement.
Francis is still eating normally and talking with doctors and aides, Vatican sources said.
Over the weekend, the pontiff suffered a “prolonged respiratory crisis” that required a high flow of oxygen.
The Vatican said in its latest bulletin that the Pope was continuing the high-flow oxygen therapy – but added that “today too he has not presented asthmatic respiratory crises”.
Thousands of people have gathered in St Peter’s Square for the past few evenings to pray for the Pope’s recovery.
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.
Please refresh the page for the fullest version.
You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.
