Vatican: Pope does not have pneumonia
Following confusion about Pope Francis' state of health, the Vatican has ruled out pneumonia, citing a medical examination.
However, a computer tomography (CT) scan in hospital had revealed a problem with inflammation in the lungs that was causing breathing difficulties for the head of the Catholic Church, according to Holy See spokesman Matteo Bruni. However, the Vatican left open what exactly this meant.
Francis had to cancel appointments at the weekend due to his illness. On Sunday, the 86-year-old did not hold the traditional Angelus prayer from the window of the Apostolic Palace as usual, but from his residence in the Vatican. A priest read out large parts of the address. The prayer itself and the blessing were said by Francis himself. The Pope appeared exhausted and coughed.
"The Pope's condition is good and stable"
The Vatican had initially announced on Saturday that the Pope had a "mild flu", but on Sunday Francis himself spoke of a "problem with the inflammation in his lungs".
"The Pope's condition is good and stable, he has no fever and his respiratory condition is clearly improving," the Vatican announced. It also confirmed that the pontiff had been given a cannula for an intravenous infusion of antibiotics. Some of Francis' appointments have now been postponed to give him time and energy to recover.
Francis will be 87 years old in December. His health has been troubling him for some time. He has already been treated in hospital twice this year. First for pneumonia; later he had to undergo open abdominal surgery under general anesthesia.
- Despite initial concerns about pneumonia, the Vatican has reassured the public that the Pope's current health issue is not related to pneumonia, but rather a problem with inflammation in his lungs.
- As a part of his treatment, the Pope has been receiving intravenous antibiotics and has shown improvement in his respiratory condition, according to updates from the Catholic Church.
- Regardless of his health challenges, the Pope continues to fulfill his religious duties, including conducting the Angelus prayer, albeit with assistance and appearing tired.
Source: www.dpa.com
