“Mysterious Recovery: Pope’s Unforeseen Hospital Surprise”
ROME (AP) — The recovery journey of Pope Francis from pneumonia is ongoing, with the Vatican revealing that he enjoyed breakfast in bed on Thursday morning following a restful sixth night at the hospital. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni provided a fresh update after confirming late Wednesday that recent blood tests indicated a slight improvement in certain inflammation markers for the 88-year-old pontiff. Pope Francis, who had previously suffered from acute pneumonia in 2023 and is susceptible to respiratory infections during the winter season, continues to be monitored closely.
On Wednesday, the pontiff received a visit from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, marking his first visit from a prominent figure. Meloni shared after their 20-minute interaction that Pope Francis was in good spirits and maintained his characteristic sense of humor. Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14th after a case of bronchitis deteriorated. Subsequent medical examinations on Tuesday revealed pneumonia in both of his lungs, along with a polymicrobial infection in his respiratory system, comprising a mix of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. To combat these conditions, he is undergoing treatment with a combination of antibiotics and cortisone for what doctors have also identified as asthmatic bronchitis.
Physicians caution that pneumonia in an elderly and fragile patient like Pope Francis can lead to complications due to challenges in effectively expelling fluid from the lungs. While his heart remains strong, the pontiff, as an 88-year-old, does not boast robust health. His limited physical activity, reliance on a wheelchair due to knee issues, history of lung surgery in his youth, and admitted lack of cooperativeness as a patient in the past all contribute to his current health challenges.
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