Pope’s condition no longer requires ‘guarded prognosis’

CV NEWS FEED // Pope Francis’ doctors have decided, based on his continued stability and positive response to treatment, that his condition will improve, the Vatican reported Monday evening, Rome time.

“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,” the Holy See Press Office reported, according to Vatican News. “For these reasons, the doctors have decided today to lift their guarded prognosis.”

Still, the pontiff will need to stay in the hospital for some time for his pharmacological treatment, the update said. His condition is complex and his respiratory infection when he entered the hospital was severe.

The Pope was able to follow the Roman Curia’s Spiritual Exercises via video Monday morning, the update said. He also received the Eucharist and prayed in his private apartment’s chapel before rejoining the Spiritual Exercises video.

“Throughout the day, he alternated between prayer and rest,” the update said. Preacher of the Papal Household Fr. Roberto Pasolini, OFM Cap., is leading the Spiritual Exercises, which culminate March 14, in the Paul VI Audience Hall, according to a March 9 Holy See Press Office announcement. The theme is “The hope of eternal life.”