POPE Francis is no longer in “imminent danger” of dying, as he continues to recover from double pneumonia.
The Vatican said on Monday that the Pope, 88, was in a stable condition and responding well to treatment.
GettyPope Francis is no longer in “imminent danger” according to the Vatican[/caption]
GettyPeople across the world have been praying for Pope Francis’ recovery[/caption]
GettyThe Pope was rushed to hospital on February 14 and has been there ever since[/caption]
The Vatican said the improvements seen in previous days have been “further consolidated”.
But the Vatican said it was too soon to talk about his release, with one source saying “prudence and caution” were still advisable.
The Vatican added: “Considering the complexity of the clinical picture and the important state of infection when he was admitted, it will be necessary to continue medical drug therapy in a hospital setting for further days.”
Francis was first rushed to Rome‘s Gemelli Hospital on February 14, where he has remained ever since.
He was later diagnosed with double-lung pneumonia, and his condition has been up and down.
On Thursday, Francis released a short audio message in his native Spanish thanking people for their prayers.
The 30-second recording was shared with worshippers at the start of the evening Rosary prayer in St Peter’s Square on Thursday.
The great Pontiff’s faint, breathless voice gave a clue to the severity of his condition, shocking many who had spent weeks longing to hear from him.
The cardinal presiding over the touching moment told the crowd he had “beautiful news, a beautiful gift” to share before the clip played.
A pre-recording of the Pope said: “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health from the Square, I accompany you from here.
“May God bless you and may the Virgin protect you. Thank you”.
The moved worshippers soon started to applaud the Pope’s bravery for speaking.
Rumours of Pope Francis‘ resignation gained momentum amid his illness.
The Vatican has been firm in denying rumours that the Pope is considering a resignation.
How will the next Pope be chosen?
THE next Pope is chosen through a process called a Papal Conclave, which takes place after the current Pope dies or resigns.
Here’s how it works:
The College of Cardinals is summoned to the Vatican
The cardinals meet in the Sistine Chapel and vote by a secret ballot
They will prepare for the upcoming papal elections – called a conclave
These Catholic leaders will vote once on the first days and four times a day on each additional day
This vote will continue until one candidate gets two-thirds of the vote
The nominee must then accept the offer and choose their new papal name
This outcome will be confirmed to the public when white smoke burns out of the Sistine Chapel chimney
But French Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, who is tipped to be one of the contenders to replace Francis, said at a press conference that “everything is possible.”
Despite growing fears about his health, Francis has continued some of his work from his sickbed such as meeting with senior church members and conducting phone calls.
GettyThere have been rumours that Pope Francis will resign[/caption]
APThe Vatican has denied these rumours[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
