Vatican City (TDI): Pope Francis is doing some work in hospital while undergoing different treatments for double pneumonia, a Vatican official said on Thursday.
The 88-year-old pontiff was spending his 14th day in Rome’s Gemelli hospital with the severe respiratory infection, which triggered multiple complications.
The Vatican stated he had spent a restful night, after saying on Wednesday evening that there had been a “further, slight improvement” in Pope’s condition, according to Reuters.
It said a “mild kidney insufficiency” had been resolved but that his prognosis was still “guarded,” meaning he was not out of danger.
Francis, a workaholic, has continued leading the Vatican from hospital, as staff appointments requiring his approval are announced daily.
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On Wednesday, it said he had formed a commission to encourage donations to help address a widening gap in finances, including an $87 million budget shortfall.
The Vatican has been much more forthcoming about the pontiff’s health than in the past, trying to pre-empt the spread of misinformation.
Brief early-morning statements are followed daily by more comprehensive evening updates.
A Vatican official said Francis was alert, continuing his treatments, and able to eat normally and move about his room.
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He added that it was unclear how long Pope would remain in hospital.
He was still receiving supplementary oxygen from a small tube under his nose, but was breathing on his own.
The Vatican stated a public audience on Saturday had been canceled, but did not say whether the Pope would lead his usual weekly prayer with pilgrims on Sunday.
He has not been seen in public since being admitted to hospital.
