Pope Francis is slowly regaining his strength after five weeks in the hospital but must “relearn to speak” following prolonged use of high-flow oxygen therapy, according to Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez. The head of the Vatican’s doctrinal office provided the update during a presentation of a new book by the pontiff on poetry.
Fernandez dismissed speculation about the pope’s retirement, stating that Francis is returning to his old self despite the challenges of his recovery.
Pope’s Health Update: Stable Condition with Minor Improvements
The Vatican released its latest health update on Friday, confirming that the pope’s condition remains stable with “minor improvements in breathing and mobility.” Since Monday, Francis has not required mechanical ventilation at night and is instead receiving oxygen through a small nasal hose for much of the day.
The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized for double pneumonia, and his recovery has been closely monitored by medical professionals.
Speech Therapy Needed After Oxygen Therapy
Cardinal Fernandez explained that high-flow oxygen therapy, while essential for the pope’s recovery, has caused dryness that affects his ability to speak. “He needs to relearn how to speak, but his overall physical condition is as it was before,” Fernandez said.
The Vatican has released only one brief audio of the pope speaking since his hospitalization, on March 6, during which his voice was weak and difficult to understand.
There is at this time, no official word on when Pope Francis might return to the Vatican and Fernandez has expressed uncertainty about whether the pope would be discharged in time for Easter, which falls on April 20.
