Pope Francis is resting on Thursday after a peaceful night as he continues his third week of hospital treatment for double pneumonia, according to the Holy See Press Office.
The 88-year-old pope, who has chronic lung disease and underwent surgery to remove part of one lung in his youth, has been using a non-invasive mechanical mask to ensure proper lung expansion overnight and aid in his recovery. During the day, he has been transitioning to receiving oxygen through a nasal tube.
Despite his condition, Pope Francis is continuing some work activities. On Thursday, he appointed Bishop Ángel Francisco Caraballo Fermín as Archbishop of Cumaná, Venezuela, and Bishop Ángel Román Idígoras as Bishop of Albacete, Spain.
The pope has been stable for the past two days following two respiratory crises he experienced on Monday. However, doctors have emphasized that his prognosis remains guarded due to the complexity of his condition.
On Wednesday, Pope Francis marked the start of Lent by receiving ashes on his forehead and by reaching out to the parish priest in Gaza. In addition to respiratory therapy, he has incorporated physical therapy into his hospital routine.
The Vatican emphasized that while the Pope’s condition remains stable, his prognosis is still guarded due to the complexity of his health situation.
