Pope Francis has been resting since he had a coughing attack that caused him to inhale vomit and required medical attention. Holy See Press Office released a short statement Saturday, confirming the Pontiff’s peaceful sleep and recovery.
A hospital in Rome has treated the 88 year old Pope since 14 February. Vatican News says that while the Pope did not suffer any respiratory distress during his overnight stay, an assessment of health is expected to take two days.
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Pope Francis: Key developments in his health
The ongoing health problems of the Pope have fuelled speculation about what the Catholic Church plans to do for Easter. The initial reason for his hospitalization was a severe respiratory infection. Pope Francis already had a chronic lung disease, which made the infection worse. The Pope suffered a major setback on Friday after a bronchial muscle spasm forced him to vomit. This required non-invasive ventilation.
Several reports indicate that, after the surgery, the Pope’s gas exchange value returned to levels similar to those before the event. According to Associated Press however, the Pope will need to wait 48 hours before his clinical condition can be fully assessed.
Holy See Press Office said that Pope Benedict slept soundly and read newspapers in the morning. It is clear that the Pope does not require a mask for ventilation. His condition is complex, and requires close monitoring.
Vatican has clarified the difference between this latest event and respiratory crisis that occurred on 22 February.
Dr. John Coleman is a Chicago-based pulmonary and critical care physician at Northwestern Medicine. Coleman told the AP the incident shows Pope Francis’ frailty, as well as the risk of his condition deteriorating rapidly. This is very concerning given that he has now been hospitalized for more than two weeks and he continues to experience respiratory problems.
# Statements about the Pope’s Health
* **Holy See Press Office statement:** “After a quiet night, the Pope is resting.”
* **Dr. John Coleman, pulmonary critical care doctor at Northwestern Medicine:** “This is extremely concerning, given the fact that the pope has been in the hospital now for over two weeks, and now he’s continuing to have these respiratory events.”
What Next For Pope Francis And The Vatican?
Catholics around the world continue to pray for Pope Francis, who is still in danger. As the Vatican celebrates its Holy Year, followers are converging in Rome. Pope Francis’s capacity to lead the Church during Easter remains in doubt. Vatican will continue to provide updates on his health as more information is available. It remains to be determined how Pope Francis’s illness will affect the upcoming Papal Audiences and Easter Celebrations.