Doctors have lifted Pope Francis' "guarded" prognosis as he continues showing good progress in his treatment for severe respiratory problems, the Vatican said Monday.
Lifting the guarded prognosis means the pope is no longer in imminent danger, the Vatican said in a statement.
"The improvements observed in previous days have further consolidated, as confirmed by blood tests, clinical evaluations, and a good response to pharmacological therapy," the Vatican’s Holy See Press Office said.
The pope will continue receiving medical pharmacological therapy “in a hospital setting for several more days” because of his “significant infectious condition,” the Vatican said, adding that doctors remain cautious about his condition.
Francis remains stable, and he was able to follow spiritual exercises virtually on Monday morning.
"He then received the Eucharist and went to the chapel in his private apartment for a moment of prayer," the Vatican said. "In the afternoon, he again joined the Curia’s Spiritual Exercises via video connection. Throughout the day, he alternated between prayer and rest."
Francis was admitted to the hospital with bronchitis last month, but he was diagnosed with pneumonia and a polymicrobial infection that required mechanical ventilation. At one point, Francis was listed in critical condition.
The pope has been showing gradual improvement in treatment after more than three weeks in the hospital. On Saturday, the Vatican said his oxygen exchange has improved, he has not had a fever, and both hematochemical and blood count tests were stable.
Francis has had respiratory problems in the past, but he has never been hospitalized for this long in his 12 years as a pope.
The Vatican did not clarify how many more days he would spend in the hospital.
