POPE FRANCIS’S “CLINICAL conditions have remained stable” following “two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency” yesterday.
Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on 14 February for treatment of double pneumonia in both lungs.
In a health update this evening, the Vatican said Francis did not have any “episodes of respiratory insufficiency or bronchospasm”.
He remained without fever, “always alert, cooperative with therapies, and oriented”, said the Vatican.
“This morning he passed to high-flow oxygen therapy and carried out respiratory physiotherapy,” added the statement.
As planned, non-invasive mechanical ventilation will be resumed until tomorrow morning and the Vatican said that his “prognosis remains reserved”.
During the day, Francis alternated prayer and rest, and this morning he received the Eucharist.
In this morning’s update, the Vatican said that Francis slept through the night.
Yesterday evening, the Vatican Press Office reported that Francis experienced “two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and subsequent bronchospasm.”
Acute respiratory failure, which can be life-threatening, occurs when the lungs cannot pass enough oxygen into the blood, or when carbon dioxide builds up in the body.
This is now the third serious downturn since the 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to hospital 18 days ago.
Bronchoscopies were performed after each episode to clear the mucus that was causing the issue.
Francis, who has been pope since March 2013, is being treated in a special suite reserved for pontiffs on the 10th floor of the Gemelli.
The Jesuit, born Jorge Bergoglio, missed his traditional Angelus prayer for a third straight Sunday and the Vatican issued a written text instead.
In it, the pope thanked well-wishers for their prayers, saying: “I feel all your affection and closeness and, at this particular time, I feel as if I am ‘carried’ and supported by all God’s people. Thank you all.”
Large crowds continue to gather in the Vatican, joining for public prayers for Pope Francis.