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The last few days' progress in Pope Francis' health has led doctors to "lift their 'guarded' prognosis," which has been reiterated with every update bulletin since he was admitted February 14. Nevertheless, the clinical picture remains complex -- this includes factors such as his age (88), chronic respiratory problems, and limited mobility.
Each morning for the last several days has brought the report that the Pope had rested well the previous night.
It's been now a full week since his last respiratory crises, which occurred Monday, March 3. Nevertheless, the medical team expects several more days of hospitalization.
On Sunday, March 9, the Pope received the top two officials of the secretariat of state for the third time. He also participated in Mass.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, and the substitute, Msgr. Edgar Peña Parra, were able to speak with Pope Francis on several issues concerning the life of the Church in the world, including the worrying situation in Syria. The Pope continues to keep himself informed of current events.
On Monday evening, March 10, the Vatican reported:
The Holy Father's clinical condition remains stable.
The improvements recorded in previous days have been further consolidated, as confirmed by both blood tests and clinical findings, as well as by the Pope’s good response to pharmacological therapy.
For these reasons, the doctors have decided today to lift their guarded prognosis. However, given the complexity of the Pope’s clinical picture and the severe infection present at the time of hospitalization, it will still be necessary to continue pharmacological treatment in a hospital setting for a period of time.
This morning, the Holy Father was able to follow the Spiritual Exercises via a video link with the Paul VI Hall; he then received the Eucharist and went to the chapel of his private apartment for a moment of prayer.
In the afternoon, he again joined the Curia's Spiritual Exercises, following them via video link. Throughout the day, he alternated between prayer and rest.”
Follow all updates here.
