POPE FRANCIS, WHO was has been in critical condition for days, is up and out of bed, the Vatican has said in an update.
The 88-year-old has been battling pneumonia in both lungs.
He was admitted to the hospital on 14 February with breathing difficulties, after which his condition deteriorated.
After suffering respiratory attacks at the weekend that required high levels of oxygen and blood transfusions, the Vatican has said the pope’s condition has stabilised, but he remains in a critical condition.
The pontiff, now in his 13th day at the hospital, is “sitting in a chair, and continuing with the treatment as normal” today, a Vatican source told AFP.
A brief official update from the Holy See earlier said he had “passed a peaceful night and is resting”.
A medical bulletin on Tuesday evening said the Argentine pontiff’s “clinical condition remains critical but stable”.
“There have been no acute respiratory episodes and haemodynamic parameters continue to be stable,” the Vatican said, referring to measurements such as heart rate and blood pressure.
Francis had a new scan “in the evening for radiological monitoring of bilateral pneumonia”, the Vatican said. “The prognosis remains reserved,” it added.
Catholics have been flocking to the Vatican and the Gemelli to pray for Francis, and there will be a fresh round of prayers held in St Peter’s Square this evening.