Pope Francis getting better, hospital treatment continues - statement
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[March 30, 2023]
By Crispian Balmer and Alvise Armellini
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -Pope Francis's health is improving after he was
hospitalised with a respiratory infection and he has resumed working
while treatment continues, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a
statement on Thursday.
"His Holiness Pope Francis rested well during the night. His clinical
picture is gradually improving and he is continuing his planned
treatment," the statement said.
"This morning after breakfast, he read some newspapers and resumed
work," it added. Indicating that he was not confined to his bed, the
statement said that he had prayed in the small chapel within his private
hospital suite.
Bruni did not say when Francis might leave Rome's Gemelli hospital. The
Vatican said on Wednesday he was expected to spend a "few days" there.
The pope was unexpectedly taken to Gemelli after complaining of
breathing difficulties, raising fresh concerns over the health of the
86-year-old pontiff, who is suffering from a number of ailments.
Italian news agency ANSA reported earlier that nursing staff were "very
optimistic" that, barring surprises, the pope could be discharged in
time for Palm Sunday celebrations on April 2 -- the start of a hectic
week of ceremonies leading to Easter Sunday on April 9.
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It was not clear if the pope would be able to take part in the various
services, even if he was discharged by the weekend.
Last year, the pope attended but did not preside at some of the Easter
services due to his knee pain. If the same happened again, a cardinal
would be appointed to celebrate the services. If the pope is fit, he
could follow events from a chair.
ANSA, quoting unnamed hospital sources, said doctors had "for now" ruled
out heart problems and pneumonia for Francis. The Vatican has also said
he does not have COVID-19.
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![](../images/033023PIX/news_v80.jpg)
Pope Francis speaks during a general
audience at St Peter's Square, Vatican City, March, 29, 2023.
Vatican Media/Handout via REUTERS
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Francis, who this month marked 10 years as pope, is sometimes short
of breath and generally more exposed to respiratory problems. He had
part of one lung removed in his early 20s when training to be a
priest in his native Argentina.
The leader of the world's nearly 1.4 billion Roman Catholics also
suffers from diverticulitis, a condition that can infect or inflame
the colon, and had an operation at the Gemelli hospital in 2021 to
remove part of his colon.
He said in January that the condition had returned and that it was
causing him to put on weight, but that he was not overly concerned.
He did not elaborate.
In addition, he has the problem with his knee and alternates between
using a cane and a wheelchair in his public appearances.
His latest hospitalisation has revived speculation over a possible
resignation on health grounds, following the historic precedent of
his predecessor Benedict XVI, who died in December.
However, Francis has indicated he would follow the example only if
he were gravely incapacitated.
Asked by Italian Swiss television RSI in an interview broadcast on
March 12 what condition would lead him to quit, he said: "A
tiredness that doesn't let you see things clearly. A lack of
clarity, of knowing how to evaluate situations."
(Reporting by Alvise Armellini and Crispian Balmer; Editing by
Bernadette Baum and Alison Williams)
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