Pope Francis’ health improved “slightly” on his sixth day in the hospital, according to the Vatican.
Pope Francis, 88, was taken to Rome’s Gemelli hospital last week for a lung ailment. He’s been diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs.
On Wednesday, he was visited by Italy’s Prime Minister, Georgia Meloni, who expressed her delight at finding him alert and responding. We joked as usual. He has not lost his sense of humor.”
She sent him best wishes for a speedy recovery on behalf of the Italian government and the entire country.
“The blood tests, evaluated by the medical staff, show a slight improvement, particularly in inflammatory indices,” said the Vatican in a statement later on Wednesday.
Earlier this week, the Vatican stated that medical examinations and a chest X-ray revealed “a complex picture.”
Pneumonia is a dangerous infection that causes inflammation and scarring of the lungs, resulting in chest pain and difficulty breathing.
The Vatican stated in its latest assessment on the pontiff’s poor health that he was alert and ate breakfast.
A Vatican official stated that the Pope was still able to get out of bed and sit in an armchair in his hospital room and that he was still working.
He has canceled a papal audience set for Saturday and is unable to attend Mass on Sunday.
Outside the hospital, well-wishers and pilgrims have continued to assemble to pray, light candles, and write letters of support.
