The prognosis for Pope Francis, who was hospitalised with respiration difficulties greater than two weeks ago, stays “guarded”, the most recent update from the Vatican has confirmed.
The Vatican is currently providing health updates around twice a day, with the most recent confirming that the Pope is stable after suffering two episodes of respiratory failure on Monday.
“The clinical condition of the Holy Father remained stable today. He didn’t experience episodes of respiratory failure or bronchospasm,” the Holy See said in an announcement.
“The Pope didn’t run a fever, and he remained alert, cooperative with therapies, and oriented.
“This morning, he transitioned to high-flow oxygen therapy and underwent respiratory physiotherapy.
“As scheduled, tonight he’ll resume non-invasive mechanical ventilation until tomorrow morning. The prognosis stays guarded.”
On Friday the Pope experienced a bronchospasm, a tightening of muscles within the airways that may induce potentially severe respiration difficulties.
On Tuesday the Pope received the Eucharist and spent the remainder of the day resting and praying.
Catholics world wide have been praying for the Pope’s health and recovery.
The Pope has thanked believers world wide for support and in addition expressed his gratitude to those that are caring for him at hospital.
In an Angelus address, the Pope wrote, “It is precisely in these moments that we learn much more to trust within the Lord; at the identical time, I thank God for giving me the chance to share in body and spirit the condition of so many sick and suffering people.”
“I feel all of your affection and closeness, and at this particular time, I feel as if I’m ‘carried’ and supported by all God’s people. Thank you all!”
The Pope also stated that just because the world is praying for him, he too is praying for the world, particularly for peace in conflict zones.
“From here, war appears much more absurd,” the Pope noted, calling for prayers for Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan and Kivu.
