Pope Francis shows a "slight improvement" and his lung inflammation is evolving normally

The clinical condition of Pope Francis, 88, has shown a "slight improvement" in the last 24 hours and the kidney failure observed in recent days has subsided, although his prognosis remains "reserved" , the Vatican reported. The CT scan of the chest performed yesterday afternoon shows a normal evolution of the pulmonary inflammatory condition .

Hematochemical and hemacrocyte tests on Wednesday confirmed the improvement of Tuesday. The Holy Father, who suffers from bilateral pneumonia, "continues high-flow oxygen therapy and has not experienced any asthmatic respiratory crisis ."

During the morning, the Pontiff received the Eucharist and in the afternoon he devoted himself to work activities.

Vigil in San Pedro

Tonight, the dean of the College of Cardinals , 91-year-old Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re , is set to lead the prayer vigil in St. Peter's Square, putting a key figure in the spotlight in a possible future conclave . Francis recently extended his mandate, keeping him in the important post rather than appointing someone new.

The dean, now popularly known thanks to the Oscar-nominated film "Conclave," is a key point of reference for the cardinals. He is in charge of presiding over papal funerals and organizing the election of the new pontiff. Between 2000 and 2010, Re was prefect of the Vatican congregation for bishops, one of the most powerful and influential positions in the Holy See. Francis named him dean in 2020 and confirmed him in the role in January despite his five-year mandate having expired.