Pope Francis’ Condition Update: “Peaceful Night” After Respiratory setback
Pope Francis, who was recently hospitalized for a respiratory illness, had “a peaceful night”, according to the Holy See Press Office’s Sunday morning update. This update is reassuring after concerns were raised about Pope Francis’ health following a recent bout of respiratory distress.
**Context: Pope Francis’ Respiratory Health**
Pope Francis was taken to hospital by the 14th of February after being diagnosed as having a respiratory infection. This progressed further into pneumonia. Pope Francis has suffered from respiratory ailments in the past. During his childhood, he had a lung removed due to pleurisy. The Pope’s age and history of medical problems have increased concerns over his current condition.
**Details of the Pope’s Condition**
In a press release issued on Sunday, the Holy See stated that Pope Francis is “remaining restful after a peaceful sleep.” Vatican updates noted Pope Francis’ health condition was “stable with respiratory physiotherapy alternated between noninvasive mechanical ventilatory and long periods of high-flow supplemental oxygenation, with good gas exchange response.”
Pope Francis was previously suffering from a bronchial cramp, which caused him to inhale vomit. He also required non-invasive mechanical ventilation. The Associated Press reported that this incident caused alarm but the subsequent gas exchange levels returned to a level similar to before.
Dr. John Coleman is a doctor of pulmonary critical-care at Northwestern Medicine Chicago. He pointed out Pope Francis’ fragility, and that his condition could “turn very rapidly.” Nevertheless, Holy See reports indicate that Pope Francis is “alert and focused” as of this Saturday.
AP
**Reactions and Prayers**
In a statement issued by the Vatican, it was stated that “The Pope has not woken up after a peaceful evening.”
Robert McElroy, archbishop-elect of Washington, shared his sentiments, saying that the Pope “is a man of joy and a man of deep prayer who works tirelessly and does so with a sense of humor … He is a man who listens and truly engages with other people and believes that others have something to teach him.”
Dr. John Coleman, who is concerned about the Pope’s health, highlighted that the hospitalization lasted for a long time and there were still respiratory problems. This underscored how serious the situation was.
**Looking Ahead: Easter and the Holy Year**
Catholics around the world are praying for Pope Francis. Rome has seen a surge of new followers in the Holy Year for the Vatican, which is raising concerns over the Pope’s leadership abilities during Easter. During this time of great religious significance, the faithful hope for their spiritual leader to recover quickly and continue to guide them. His recovery from the polymicrobial infection of his respiratory tract is being closely monitored by everyone around him.