Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Friday, Feb. 14, to undergo testing and treatment for bronchitis, the Vatican said. On Tuesday he was diagnosed with double pneumonia but on Wednesday showed “slight improvement,” according to the Vatican.
The Vatican said Francis’ overall condition remained stationary, but that blood tests showed a “slight improvement” in key inflammation indices. Francis also worked in the afternoon with his collaborators, the Vatican said in a late statement.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni visited Pope Francis for 20 minutes in the hospital Wednesday and reported he was “alert and responsive” and full of good humor, despite his diagnosis of pneumonia and a complicated bronchial infection that has sidelined the 88-year-old pontiff for six days. Meloni is the first confirmed outside visitor known to have called on the pope, beyond his secretaries and medical team, since his admission Friday at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where popes have their own suite on the 10th floor. Her visit, announced only after it was over, appeared aimed at sending a reassuring message, especially to Italians who haven’t seen even a photograph of Francis since Friday.
On Thursday morning, the Vatican informed journalists Pope Francis spent “a peaceful night” at Rome‘s Gemelli hospital and had breakfast while sitting in an armchair. The brief bulletin from the Holy See Press Office suggests the pope’s gradual progress as he enters his seventh day of treatment that has prompted the cancellation of several upcoming events including weekend jubilee celebrations. Pope Francis has continued to request prayers from the Catholic faithful throughout his stay in the hospital.
The Catholic News Agency currently has a webpage with regular updates of the pope’s condition, which can be found here.