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Pope's health continues to improve, Vatican says

By AAP Newswire

Apr 5, 2025

Pope Francis' health continues to improve, a Vatican spokesman says.

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Medical examinations over recent days had shown slight improvements in his breathing and ability to speak, the spokesman said.

Inflammation values for the 88-year-old head of the Roman Catholic Church had also declined, he said.

The spokesman indicated that Francis could participate in the weekly Angelus "under changed circumstances" on Sunday.

Since his admission to hospital, the Pope's addresses for the traditional Sunday prayer have been published in writing.

Francis was able to return to the Vatican almost two weeks ago after being treated in Rome's Gemelli Hospital for 38 days for double pneumonia with complications.

During his stay there were fears for his life.

Doctors have recommended that the Pope should take things easy until mid-May at the earliest.

On the day of his discharge, Francis made a public appearance from a hospital balcony for the first time in five weeks, greeting the faithful, but looking weak.

He has not appeared in public since his return to the Vatican on March 23.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press