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Pope Francis’s Health Update: Stability Following Respiratory Episodes
Pope Francis has exhibited a stable condition after experiencing two episodes of respiratory failure on Monday.
In the Vatican’s latest health report, officials indicated that the Pope did not suffer any additional incidents of respiratory failure or bronchospasm.
The document noted, “He remained afebrile, always alert, cooperative with therapies and well-oriented.”
The 88-year-old leader of the Roman Catholic Church has been hospitalized since mid-February for treatment related to pneumonia.
Following the respiratory episodes, the Pope began utilizing an oxygen mask and ventilator to assist with his breathing. This marks the second instance of mechanical intervention, as he spent two days on a ventilator earlier after experiencing what was described as an “isolated” breathing crisis accompanied by vomiting last Friday, according to Vatican reports.
In a follow-up update on Tuesday, the Holy See revealed that Pope Francis had reverted back to high-flow oxygen therapy.
Throughout the day, the Pope alternated between prayer and rest, and he received the Eucharist in the morning, as stated by Vatican officials.
Due to his current health status, Pope Francis is expected to miss the Ash Wednesday procession and mass, which heralds the start of Lent, a significant six-week period leading up to Easter.
Additionally, he has been unable to deliver his traditional Angelus prayer in person for the past three Sundays.
The Pope was first admitted to the hospital on February 14 after struggling with breathing difficulties for several days. Initially treated for bronchitis, he was later diagnosed with pneumonia affecting both lungs.
Given his medical history, Pope Francis is particularly vulnerable to pneumonia, which can stem from various infections. He has previously encountered pleurisy, an inflammation of the lungs, and underwent a partial lung removal in his youth. Thus, Vatican sources have consistently indicated that the Pope’s health situation remains complex, with medical professionals exercising caution, emphasizing that he is not yet out of danger.
Source
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