Vatican Says Pope Francis Gradually Improved, But His Return Is Not Sure

Gemelli Hospital di Roma, Italia tempat Paus Fransiskus dirawat. (Source: Vatican News)

JAKARTA - Pope Francis is no longer in danger of direct death and responds well to hospitalizations, the Vatican said on Monday, a sign of progress as the 88-year-old Pope struggles with double pneumonia.

In its latest medical update, the Vatican said the Pope's doctors had decided to revoke previous "alert" prognosis, meaning the Pope is no longer in direct danger.

"Repairs recorded compared to previous days are increasingly consolidated, as confirmed by blood tests and clinical assessments, as well as a good response to drug care," the Vatican said.

Pope Francis has been undergoing treatment at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, Italy for more than three weeks. He has been treated since February 14 with severe respiratory infections requiring developing treatment.

Although doctors removed the previous prognosis, the Vatican said it still expects Pope Francis "to continue treatment for medical drugs in hospital over the next few days."

No definite time frame has been given for his repatriation.

The Pope is described as in a stable condition or improving over the past week, having previously experienced two "acute respiratory insufficiency" crises on March 3.

The Vatican said earlier on Monday Pope Francis continued his treatment and underwent respiratory physiotherapy to help his breathing.

Doctors who were not involved in Pope Francis' treatment said the World Catholic Church leader was likely to face a long and challenging path to recovery, given his age and other medical conditions.

The Pope, who has been using wheelchairs in recent years due to knee and back pain, has also continued some physical therapy to help his mobility, the Vatican said.

On Sunday, the Pope held his third meeting during his hospital recovery with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's second official, and the Parolin representative.

The Vatican said the Pope had also watched a week-long live broadcast of the annual spiritual retreat attended by many Vatican officials as part of Easter preparations in April.

It is known that the Pope has experienced several poor health attacks over the past two years, prone to lung infections due to a history of inflammation of the chest membrane, and part of one of his lungs has been removed.

Double pneumonia is a serious infection in both lungs that can inflame and inflame you, making it difficult to breathe.