VATICAN CITY, (Reuters) – Pope Francis has seen a marked improvement in his health after receiving an infusion of antibiotics for an infectious bronchitis, the Vatican said in an upbeat statement yesterday.
The pope was taken to hospital on Wednesday after complaining of breathing difficulties, raising fresh concerns over the health of the 86-year-old pontiff, who is suffering from a number of ailments.
Quoting Francis’s medical team, the Vatican said the pope had been diagnosed with an infectious bronchitis virus, a highly contagious respiratory disease, which required an intravenous infusion of antibiotics.
“(This) produced the expected effects with a marked improvement in his state of health,” the statement said, adding: “Based on the expected progress, the Holy Father could be discharged in the coming days.”
The Vatican said that the pope had spent the afternoon “devoting himself to rest, prayer and some work.”
Earlier on Thursday, indicating that Francis was not confined to his bed, the Vatican said he had prayed in the small chapel within his private hospital suite.
“I am touched by the many messages received in these hours and I express my gratitude for the closeness and prayer,” the pope wrote separately on Twitter.
It was not clear whether Francis would be able to participate in any of the upcoming Holy Week events — one of the busiest periods in the Church calendar, which kicks off with Palm Sunday on April 2.
