Pope Francis shows slight improvement and resumes some work, Vatican says

The Vatican has stated that Pope Francis's lab results show slight improvement, and he has resumed some work, including calling a parish in Gaza City, with which he has maintained contact since the beginning of the local war. This news brings a glimmer of hope regarding the Pope's health condition. The Pope's continued dedication to his duties is a testament to his unwavering commitment.

The announcement released by the Vatican on Monday evening (Tuesday morning Australian Eastern Daylight Time) was more optimistic than in previous days. It stated that the 88-year-old Pope is suffering from pneumonia in both lungs, but is no longer experiencing a respiratory crisis. The slight kidney insufficiency detected on Sunday is not a cause for concern, and he continues to receive supplemental oxygen, with doctors stating that his prognosis remains cautious. The Pope's condition is in the hearts and minds of countless people around the world.

The Pope received Holy Communion in the morning and resumed work in the afternoon. "In the evening, he called the parish priest of Gaza, expressing his paternal concern," the statement read. Prior to this, the Vatican announced the start of evening prayers in St. Peter's Square for the Pope's health, inviting the citizens of Rome and others to join in praying for the Pope's recovery from a complex lung infection and complications. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's second-in-command, planned to lead the first prayer service on Monday evening. The outpouring of support demonstrates the global concern for his well-being.

Francis has been hospitalized at the Gemelli Hospital since February 14 due to worsening bronchitis. Bishop Claudio Giuliodori presided over an emotional, packed Mass in the church named after John Paul. Among the approximately 200 attendees, some were wearing white doctor's coats or green surgical scrubs, and some were kneeling in prayer. People have been expressing their concern and prayers for the Pope, showing the depth of their care and devotion.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of New York, acknowledged what leaders of the Roman Church have not publicly said: that Catholic believers are united "at the bedside of a dying father." Dolan said from the pulpit of St. Patrick's Cathedral during his sermon: "Our Pope Francis is very, very frail in health, perhaps nearing the end." However, he later told reporters that he hoped and prayed that Francis would "bounce back." Francis's condition has once again sparked speculation about what would happen if he lost consciousness or became incapacitated, and whether he would resign. The uncertainty surrounding his health raises important questions about the future of the papacy.