Pope Francis’s overall condition continued to improve this Thursday on his 13th day in hospital to fight a complex respiratory infection and double pneumonia.
In a statement released today, 27 February, the Vatican said the Pope’s clinical assessments during the day “confirm his improvement”.
Having been on high-flow oxygen administered through the nose since last Saturday, when he experienced a major respiratory crisis, the Pope today alternated high-flow oxygen therapy through the nose and use of an oxygen mask.
Despite three days of consistent improvement, though, doctors remain cautious.
“Given the complexity of the clinical picture, additional days of clinical stability are necessary to resolve the prognosis,” they said in the latest medical bulletin released.
It added that Pope Francis spent the morning alternating respiratory physiotherapy and rest, while in the afternoon he underwent an additional session of physiotherapy before spending time in prayer in his private apartment on the 10th floor of Gemelli Hospital in Rome, as well as receiving the Eucharist.
He then dedicated himself to work activities, the statement said, but did not offer specifics.
Vatican sources have said that the Pope remains “in good humour” despite his condition, though his visits are limited, with only his secretaries being allowed in.
Due to his ongoing hospitalisation, the Pope’s planned Jubilee general audience this Saturday is cancelled. No information is currently available regarding his Sunday Angelus address, and whether he will publish the text, as he has the past two weeks he has been in hospital.
Pope Francis was initially admitted to hospital on 14 February to treat bronchitis and was later diagnosed with a complex respiratory infection and bilateral pneumonia. After suffering a major respiratory crisis on 22 February, he has been reported to have been slowly and steadily improving in recent days.
Throughout his hospitalisation, cardinals, curial officials and the faithful, both in Rome and across the globe, along with many of other religions and creeds, have gathered in prayer for the Pope’s health and recovery.
Today, Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the vicar of Rome, offered Mass for Pope Francis at the Roman parish of San Marcello in Corso, where a historic crucifix is located that is believed to have miraculous properties, and which the Pope urged during the COVID-19 pandemic to be brought to the Vatican, due to its tradition of veneration in times of plague and illness.
The cardinal is also set to lead a rosary for Pope Francis’s health in St. Peter’s Square tonight.
@The Catholic Herald
