Pope in stable condition, X-ray confirms improvements of recent days: Vatican

GENEVA

Pope Francis is in stable condition, and his X-ray confirms improvements over recent days, the Vatican said on Wednesday.

"The clinical condition of the Holy Father has remained stable in the context of an overall complex medical picture. The chest X-ray performed yesterday has radiologically confirmed the improvements observed in the previous days," it said in a statement.

The 88-year-old pontiff has been at Rome's Gemelli Hospital since Feb. 14, receiving high-flow oxygen therapy during the day and non-invasive mechanical ventilation overnight.

He was elected Pope Benedict XVI's successor at the age of 76 on March 13, 2013, taking the name Francis.

String of health issues

This is the latest in a series of health challenges Francis has faced in recent years.

In 2022, he canceled planned trips to Africa due to knee problems, which have left him using a cane or wheelchair to get around.

In 2023, he was hospitalized in Rome with a respiratory infection and later underwent abdominal surgery for a hernia.

Earlier this year, the Vatican reported that the pope fell at his home, slightly injuring his right arm.

The pontiff, born in Argentina in 1936, has struggled with health issues for much of his life.

At age 21, he had part of his lung removed due to life-threatening pneumonia and three cysts. He said the ordeal inspired him to join the Jesuits.