Pope Francis marks a full week at Rome’s Gemelli hospital today, where he spent “a good night” and “got up and had breakfast,” the Vatican said Friday morning.
The pope’s daily routine at the hospital includes breakfast, reading, prayer, and necessary therapy, according to Vatican Press Office Director Matteo Bruni.
Medical staff are carefully evaluating potential side effects of the treatment, given the pontiff’s age — he is 88 years old — and existing health conditions.
The positive progress noted in Friday’s update from the Holy See Press Office follows Thursday’s report of a “quiet night.” However, the Vatican confirmed it was unlikely he would recite the Angelus this Sunday.
Since Feb. 14, the Holy Father has undergone a series of diagnostic tests and complex cortisone antibiotic treatments for bronchitis, respiratory infections, and pneumonia affecting both lungs.
Previous Vatican updates indicated that the 88-year-old pontiff has been able to receive the Eucharist, rest, read, work with his “closest collaborators,” and receive private guests on some days while at Gemelli.
Crux reported Wednesday that sources said the Holy Father has received the sacrament of anointing of the sick. Though “complex,” the pope’s condition is not considered grave.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the Holy Father was “alert and responsive” during her visit on Wednesday, saying: “He has not lost his legendary sense of humor.”
In light of the pope’s “slightly improved” health status, Pontifical Academy for Life president Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia said he is hopeful the pope “will return to the Vatican in a few weeks.”
“[His work] is more than valuable at a time like this,” Paglia told ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner.
As Catholics around the world unite in prayer for the head of the universal Church, parishes and religious communities in the Diocese of Rome continue to offer Masses and times of silent prayer for the pope.
“As one big family we ask that the Lord will give our bishop the strength he needs to face this delicate moment,” vicar general for the Diocese of Rome, Cardinal Baldassare Reina, said on Wednesday.
Other Christian leaders, including Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, have also united with the Catholic Church in prayer, Orthodox Times reported.
To date, the Vatican has not indicated when the pope could potentially be discharged from the hospital.