Italy Vatican: Pope continues on the road to recovery
According to official reports, Pope Francis' state of health has continued to improve in the first few days after his release from hospital.
28.03.2025, 14:00
SDA
The 88-year-old head of the Catholic Church is still dependent on oxygen, albeit at a lower dose, according to a Vatican spokesperson. He is also having fewer problems speaking than at the beginning of the week.
Francis was able to return to the Vatican on Sunday after more than five weeks of inpatient treatment in a clinic in Rome. According to the doctors, he has overcome his severe pneumonia, which had temporarily put his life in acute danger. However, they recommend that he takes it easy until at least mid-May. In contrast to most of his time in hospital, the Vatican no longer provides daily updates on his condition.
Tube still in his nose to help him breathe
The head of more than 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide is now staying at his Santa Marta residence in the Vatican. He continues to be supplied with oxygen via a tube in his nose. He has not appeared in public since being discharged from hospital.
It is uncertain whether the Pope will be able to take part in the Easter celebrations next month. Traditionally, this also includes the Urbi et Orbi (To the City and the World) blessing from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, which is broadcast worldwide.
At the age of 88, Francis is now the second oldest Pope in history. Born in Argentina, he has been in office since March 2013 as the successor to German Pope Benedict XVI.
