By Juliana Uzoka

The Holy See Press Office in an update to journalists on Monday 24 February, disclosed that Pope Francis’s health is gradually stabilizing, with most severe symptoms of his illness abating. It further disclosed that he was able to do some work.

“The Holy Father’s clinical condition, despite its severity, has shown a slight improvement.

“No episodes of asthma-like respiratory distress occurred today, and some laboratory tests have shown improvement. The monitoring of his mild kidney insufficiency has not raised any concerns. Oxygen therapy continues, although with slightly reduced flow and oxygen levels.” The statement read.

Following close monitoring of the Holy Father’s health, the Press Office added, “Given the complexity of the clinical picture, the doctors are prudently maintaining their cautious prognosis.”

Pope Francis suffered a major relapse on Saturday 22 February with his condition described as “critical”  requiring the administration of  “high flow oxygen,” due to an asthma-like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity, Catholic News Agency (CNA) reports.

In an update it was stated that the Holy Father also has thrombocytopenia, a condition characterized by a low blood count associated with anemia.

Earlier on Friday, during a press conference at Gemelli hospital, his medical team stated that he was not yet out of danger.

Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of the team caring for the Pope, and Dr. Luigi Carbone, the Vice- Director of the Vatican ‘s healthcare service, said the Pope would still need to be hospitalized for at least another week.

They had nursed fears of that germs in the Holy Father’s respiratory tract might get into his blood stream, potentially causing sepsis.

As the Pope continues to battle with double pneumonia, causing difficulty with his breathing,  prayers are being offered on his behalf, Vatican news reports that an evening Holy Rosary prayer has been scheduled, starting on Monday, to be led by Cardinals residing in Roma, along with all collaborators of the Roman Curia and the Diocese of Rome.

“There has been a tremendous outpouring of prayer for Pope Francis’ recovery from around the world, and in the Holy Father’ s Angelus address, which he chose to have published and distributed on Sunday, he thanked everyone for their prayers for him.” The Holy See Press Office stated on Monday, according to Vatican news.

Meanwhile, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life cautioned that concerns about the Pope’s health “must be kept within limits,” while acknowledging that people have the “right to be concerned” he decried the negative speculations about the seriousness of the Pope’s condition.

“The situation is certainly delicate, but the Pope has kept on working…[he] is recovering and will return to the Vatican in a few weeks,” the prelate disclosed.