Religious sisters pray the rosary for Pope Francis led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life, March 10. Farrell and other senior Vatican officials, who were on their Lenten retreat, prayed the rosary in the Vatican audience hall while people in the square watched on video screens. (CNS/Pablo Esparza)
Pope Francis' latest X-rays confirm that his condition is improving while hospitalized for a lung infection and double pneumonia, the Vatican said on March 12.
"The chest X-ray performed yesterday radiologically confirmed the improvements recorded in the previous days," said a Vatican statement released at 7:15 p.m. local time on Wednesday (March 12).
The report is the first medical update from the pope's medical team since their March 10 announcement that Francis is no longer in "imminent danger" and is on the road to recovery.
According to the medical bulletin, the pope's overall clinical picture remains stable. The pontiff continues to receive oxygen via a mechanical ventilator at night and uses a high-flow nasal tube during the day.
The Vatican also said that Francis continues to follow via video link the twice daily Lenten spiritual exercises taking place for the Roman Curia.
During the day on Wednesday, Francis also participated in both respiratory and physical therapy, as well as spending time in prayer.
Tomorrow, March 13, will mark his 28th day in the hospital and the 12th anniversary of his election as pope.
The National Catholic Reporter's Rome Bureau is made possible in part by the generosity of Joan and Bob McGrath.
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