Pope Francis, who is still undergoing treatment for pneumonia, has gradually begun to return to work as his condition improves, the Holy See press office said on Thursday.
Francis spent the day for prayers and “a little work,” in parallel he continued his therapy. The Vatican also said the pontiff celebrated Mass on the morning of March 19, when Catholics commemorate the Solemnity of Saint Joseph.
“The pope’s clinical condition continues to improve. The Pope has suspended the use of non-invasive artificial ventilation and his need for high-flow oxygen therapy has also decreased,” the report said.
In addition, progress on the background of motor and respiratory physiotherapy continues, the Holy See press office said.
Doctors reported that the pope’s lung infection is under control, although its effects are not yet fully resolved. His labs are normal and there is no fever.
The pontiff is being treated at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital. Doctors are giving regular updates on his condition. Francis was hospitalised on February 14 after he suffered respiratory arrest – isolated bronchospasm. The illness developed into bilateral pneumonia.
In early March, the Vatican press service reported that the pontiff’s condition is stable and began to improve. During the period of his stay in the hospital, he experienced exacerbations of his condition.
On March 7, Francis addressed the faithful for the first time in three weeks of hospitalisation in an audio recording. On March 16, the Vatican published a photo of the pontiff for the first time since his hospitalisation.
