Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized with pneumonia in both lungs, slept peacefully “all night long and continues to rest,” the Vatican confirmed on Tuesday. This follows two episodes of acute respiratory failure, which the Vatican reported on Monday.
The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 after being diagnosed with bronchitis, which developed into pneumonia in both lungs, raising concerns worldwide.
On Monday, the Vatican revealed that Pope Francis experienced “two episodes of acute respiratory failure” caused by a significant accumulation of mucus in his bronchial tubes, leading to bronchospasm. Acute respiratory failure, which can be life-threatening, occurs when the lungs are unable to provide sufficient oxygen to the blood or when carbon dioxide accumulates in the body.
The Vatican also noted that the pope’s prognosis remains “reserved,” meaning that doctors cannot yet predict the likely outcome of his condition.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Bergoglio, is being treated in a special suite for pontiffs on the 10th floor of Gemelli Hospital. Despite his condition, the Vatican has stated that the pope has continued to carry out some of his duties.
The pope missed his traditional Sunday Angelus prayer for the third consecutive week. In his place, the Vatican released a written message in which Francis expressed gratitude for the outpouring of prayers, saying: “I feel all your affection and closeness, and at this particular time, I feel as though I am ‘carried’ and supported by all of God’s people. Thank you all.”
AFP
