Vatican: Pope Francis shows signs of improvement, but still does not breathe autonomously

Pope Francis, 88, continues with convalescence to fully recover from the infection that affected the two lungs so he continues with pharmacological therapy in addition to performing the physiotherapy exercises, both motor and respiratory.

As reported by the press office of the Holy See, in recent days it has shown signs of improvement.

In any case, he is not yet able to breathe autonomously. During the nights, when he sleeps, he still requires a respiratory device that transmits high oxygen flows.

The results of the latest blood tests that have been carried out maintain the values ​​within normality. In addition, physiotherapy is helping you improve the use of voice, the Vatican said.

During these days, the Pontiff spends the day combining moments of work with the necessary rest that doctors have prescribed. The date they handle so that the Holy Father can resume his agenda is, at least “at the end of May.

Since he returned to the Vatican, Pope Francis has not received visits. In fact, one of the medical prescriptions is that they have no contact with large groups of faithful or with families with young children who can be carriers of a virus or bacteria, which could complicate their situation again.

This morning, the Lent Meditations that he has taught from the Classroom Paul VI to the cardinals and bishops of the Roman curia, the friar Roberto Pasolini, has followed by videoconference.

The Vatican has reported that this Sunday’s Angelus text will be written by him and disseminated later. However, Pope Francis has not yet been reported may be present or preside over some of the liturgical celebrations planned for Holy Week. Everything will depend on how your state of health evolves the next few days.

This Thursday the Secretary of State of the Vatican, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, acknowledged that the Pontiff may not be able to govern the Church as before, suggesting that alternatives should be considered to fulfill their function.

Yesterday, March 27, in an event in Sacrofano, near Rome, Cardinal Parolin said: “Maybe he cannot work as before, and in that case, we must find other ways to continue leading the church.”

Thus he said that “he is resting” and “he does not see anyone”, since “he has no scheduled audiences” because the objective of convalescence is to give Pope Francis the necessary time for recovery.

Specifically asked how the Liturgies of Holy Week will be carried out, Cardinal Parolin said: “We will see if the Pope can preside over the celebrations or if he will delegate to certain cardinals to act in his name.”

In any case, it would not be the first time that a Pope does not challenge Easter celebrations. In 2005, San Juan Paul II appeared only on resurrection Sunday, without being able to speak.