Pope Francis Showing Improvement, But Vatican Remains 'Guarded'

Pope Francis is still in Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where he's being treated for double pneumonia diagnosed two weeks ago. The Vatican released a statement late Thursday indicating that the Pope's condition continues to improve. The Vatican noted, "As in previous days, the Pope had a peaceful night and is now resting," a slight but significant shift in tone from previous updates. High-flow oxygen therapy is ongoing, now with the use of a ventimask. Despite these positive signs, the Vatican emphasized that the 88-year-old Pope's prognosis remains "guarded." Stability needs to be maintained for several more days before any changes can be expected. Admitted to the hospital on Valentine's Day with respiratory issues, Pope Francis's condition was initially critical. Things were touch-and-go for a bit, but he's been showing improvement. Earlier in the week, Fox News Channel’s senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel explained that bilateral pneumonia "is more problematic and more difficult to recover from," especially for "an elderly patient with scarring from previous surgeries and bouts of pneumonia." Siegel also touched on the pope receiving high-flow oxygen therapy, explaining that the treatment is used for breathing issues, "but is not as aggressive as CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) or mechanical ventilation." Siegel said it is a "good sign" that the pope is not on a ventilator. "Don’t underestimate the impact of great medical care combined with the power of prayer," Siegel added. The Pope's health history includes a past lung removal in 1957 after a bout with pneumonia at just 21. He's also had heart surgery in both 2021 and 2023. **Here's hoping for a speedy and full recovery for the Pontiff!**