Doctors have suggested that the Pope has overcome the most critical phase of his pneumonia infection – as the pontiff marks two weeks in hospital.
In an update on Friday morning, the Vatican said: “As in past days, the night was tranquil and the Pope now is resting.”
This morning’s update marked the second day in a row where doctors avoided saying the pontiff was in a critical condition, suggesting he has overcome the most acute phase of the infection.
But given the complexity of his lung infection, they said “further days of clinical stability are needed” before they revise their prognosis officially and say he is out of danger.
Vatican sources said the Pope, 88, had breakfast and read newspapers this morning, as he continues treatment and physiotherapy.
In their Thursday evening bulletin, doctors also confirmed that Francis’ clinical condition was improving.
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The Pope was alternating the high-flow supplemental oxygen he had been receiving by a nasal tube with a mask in a sign of improved respiratory function, medics said.
Francis also left his hospital room to go to his nearby private chapel to pray.
He has been at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since 14 February. A respiratory crisis and kidney trouble last weekend sparked fears for his life.
Despite his improvements, Francis’ upcoming calendar of events is being changed.
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The Vatican has made alternative plans for Ash Wednesday next week, making clear Francis still has a long road ahead, as well as cancelling a Holy Year audience scheduled for this Saturday.
Ash Wednesday starts the Lenten season leading up to Holy Week and Easter, which falls on 20 April this year.
