The Holy See Press Office has reported that Pope Francis has spent his ninth night at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where he is being treated for bilateral pneumonia.
His health condition remains under close observation by the medical team.
Updates on Pope's Health Condition
On Sunday morning, Pope Francis resumed using a nasal cannula for high-flow oxygen therapy to aid his breathing. Further clinical examinations are ongoing, and the latest results will be announced on Vatican News's Official Instagram or the Medical Bulletin.
So far, the Pope’s condition is still considered critical, and he has yet to make a full recovery. On Sunday morning, he experienced a prolonged respiratory crisis resembling an asthma attack, requiring a significantly high flow of oxygen.
Additionally, recent blood tests revealed thrombocytopenia associated with anemia, necessitating a blood transfusion to maintain his health stability.
Although physically weakened, Pope Francis remains alert and has spent most of his time seated in an armchair. However, the medical team noted that he appears more fatigued than the previous day. At this point, his prognosis remains uncertain.
Medical Team’s Statement
According to Vatican News, during a press conference held at Gemelli Hospital on Friday afternoon, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, head of the medical team treating the Pope, and Dr. Luigi Carbone, Deputy Director of Vatican Health Services, provided updates to the media in a session lasting approximately forty minutes.
They stated that Pope Francis is expected to remain hospitalized for at least another week. While emphasizing that his condition is not currently life-threatening, they cautioned that he has not yet fully emerged from danger. The Pope remains in a crucial phase of his recovery.
Dr. Alfieri highlighted that Pope Francis does not require a ventilator, although he continues to experience breathing difficulties, which have limited his physical activity. Nonetheless, despite these challenges, the Pope remains engaged with his duties and even finds moments to joke with doctors and medical staff.
For instance, when one of the doctors greeted him with, “Hello, Holy Father,” Pope Francis spontaneously replied, “Hello, Holy Son,” showcasing his enduring sense of humor during treatment.
Although his condition remains unstable, Pope Francis continues to demonstrate resilience and a strong spirit throughout his recovery. The medical team is closely monitoring his progress, while people around the world anxiously await further updates on his health.
Prayers and well wishes for the Pope’s recovery continue to pour in from Catholics and the global community.
