Pope Francis is gradually regaining strength in the hospital after being treated for double pneumonia, but officials from the Vatican say he must “relearn to speak” due to the prolonged use of high-flow oxygen therapy.
In its most recent health update, the Vatican reported that the pope’s condition remained stable with “minor improvements in breathing and mobility.” However, there is still no official confirmation regarding whether the pope will be able to return to the Vatican in time for Easter, ABC News reports.
The 88-year-old pope has been hospitalized for five weeks, during which the Vatican released a brief audio clip of him speaking on March 6. In the recording, the pope’s voice sounded weak and breathless, making it difficult to understand him.
Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, head of the Vatican’s doctrinal office, dismissed speculation that Pope Francis might retire and said that he was returning to his usual self. “The pope is doing very well, but high-flow oxygen dries everything out,” the cardinal said. “He needs to relearn how to speak, but his overall physical condition is as it was before.”
Since Monday, the pope has not required mechanical ventilation at night and is instead receiving oxygen through a small hose under his nose. The Vatican also confirmed that his breathing and mobility were gradually improving.
In his latest message, the pope expressed gratitude for the prayers and support from those who have been standing by him during his recovery. Despite this progress, there is no official word on when he will return to the Vatican, and Cardinal Fernandez was uncertain whether the pope would be discharged in time for Easter on April 20.
“He could return, but the doctors want to be absolutely sure,” said the cardinal. “The pope believes that with the little time he has left, he wants to dedicate himself entirely to others, not to himself.”
When asked about the possibility of the pope stepping down, Cardinal Fernandez responded, “I really don’t think so, no.”
Pope Francis has faced multiple health challenges in the past two years, including a history of lung infections due to pleurisy and the removal of part of one lung when he was a young adult.