Pope battling pneumonia shows new improvement, says Vatican

VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis´s condition showed “a further, slight improvement”, the Vatican said on Wednesday, while continuing to maintain the prognosis for the 88-year-old fighting pneumonia in both lungs was “reserved”.

“The clinical conditions of the Holy Father in the last 24 hours have shown a further, slight improvement,” said the Vatican in its nightly bulletin on the health of the pontiff, who has been in hospital since February 14.

“Although a slight improvement is being recorded, the prognosis remains reserved,” it said.

The Argentine pope was originally admitted to Rome´s Gemelli hospital with breathing difficulties and bronchitis, but his condition subsequently deteriorated, sparking widespread concern among Catholics.

Respiratory attacks he suffered at the weekend that required high levels of oxygen and blood transfusions have not repeated, according to the Vatican, although he continues to receive oxygen and do breathing exercises.