The Vatican has issued its latest update on Pope Francis as he surpasses two weeks in hospital.
The Pope, who has been battling bilateral pneumonia for two weeks, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after struggling with persistent breathing difficulties.
He was initially treated for bronchitis before doctors diagnosed pneumonia in both lungs.
His condition had been showing signs of slight improvement earlier this week, with Vatican statements suggesting he was stabilizing. However, Friday’s crisis marked a significant setback.
Update on Saturday Morning
Pope Francis spent a quiet night in hospital after suffering a sudden respiratory crisis that required urgent medical intervention, the Vatican has confirmed.
“After a quiet night, the Pope is resting,” the Holy See Press Office said in a brief statement on Saturday morning, offering a cautious but reassuring update on the 88-year-old pontiff’s condition.
This follows a worrying episode on Friday (February 28), when the Pope experienced an “isolated crisis of bronchospasm” that caused vomiting and a rapid deterioration in his ability to breathe.
He was immediately given non-invasive mechanical ventilation, which Vatican sources say he responded to well.
24 to 48 hours crucial for assessment
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Doctors remain watchful as they evaluate the Pope’s condition over the next 24 to 48 hours, determining whether the bronchospasm episode has caused any lasting complications.
Although the Vatican has not given a prognosis, it stated that gas exchange levels in his lungs have returned to their previous state, suggesting some stability.
On Friday (Feb 28), a gathering of the faithful amassed in St. Peter’s Square for Rosary prayers for Pope Francis.
A Challenging Road to Recovery
The pontiff’s health has been a concern for some time, as he is particularly vulnerable to respiratory infections due to a partial lung removal in his youth following pleurisy. He was previously hospitalized at Gemelli in March 2023 for bronchitis and has faced multiple health challenges throughout his papacy.
Despite Friday’s scare, Vatican insiders say Pope Francis remains alert and “in good spirits.” On Friday morning, before the crisis, he was even able to receive Communion and spend time in prayer.
Still, the Vatican acknowledges that “further days of clinical stability are necessary to resolve the prognosis,” reinforcing that his recovery remains uncertain.
As the leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics continues his fight against pneumonia, the Church and faithful followers worldwide remain on high alert, awaiting further updates on his health.
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