THE Pope’s clinical condition, while stable, remains “complex” and the prognosis “guarded”, the Vatican reports on Thursday morning. He was on a ventilator overnight.
Twice-daily statements on his condition are being released by the Holy See press office. On Wednesday evening, it was reported that “The Holy Father remained stable today as well, without any episodes of respiratory insufficiency.
“As planned, he utilised supplemental, high-flow oxygenation, and non-invasive mechanical ventilation will be resumed tonight. The Holy Father increased his respiratory and active motor physiotherapy. He spent the day in his armchair.
“Given the complexity of the clinical situation, the prognosis remains guarded.”
The Pope had received communion in his private apartment that morning, after participating in the blessing of the Sacred Ashes, which were imposed on him by the celebrant. “Afterwards, he engaged in several work activities. . . In the afternoon, he alternated between rest and work.”
Pope Francis has been undergoing treatment in the Gemelli Hospital, in Rome, since 14 February, when he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia. His condition was initially not reported to be life-threatening, but he later experienced “an asthma-like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity”, and received a blood transfusion.
While the Pope was reported to have shown signs of improvement over the weekend, on Monday evening, he was said to have experienced “two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm”.
That afternoon, the press office reported that “non-invasive mechanical ventilation was resumed. The Holy Father remained alert, oriented and cooperative at all times.” On Tuesday morning, it reported: “The Pope slept through the night and now continues to rest.”
A further report that evening said that he had not experienced further episodes of respiratory failure or bronchospasm. “The Pope did not 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 will resume non-invasive mechanical ventilation until tomorrow morning. The prognosis remains guarded.”
During the day, he had alternated between spending time in prayer and at rest, and had received the eucharist.
Confirmation of his continuing respiratory physiotherapy treatment was given on Wednesday morning. Vatican News reported that, “as planned, he transitioned from non-invasive mechanical ventilation at night to the high-flow oxygen therapy through nasal cannulas. Though within a complex framework, the Pope’s situation this morning seems stable.” This included his heart, kidney, and blood values.
It was reported last week that the Archbishop of York wrote to the RC Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, shortly after Pope Francis was hospitalised last month. In his letter, Archbishop Cottrell assured Cardinal Nichols “and the faithful of the Roman Catholic Church, of my prayers and those many faithful Anglicans for the health of Pope Francis during this period of hospitalisation; we are praying for a good and swift recovery, for his comfort and peace, and also for all those who tend to him and minister to him.”
His letter continued: “I was present in Rome at the recent Ecumenical Vespers, over which His Holiness presided, and he reminded those in St Paul’s Outside the Walls that hope lies at the heart of the Gospel, the ecumenical endeavour, and this Jubilee year.”
Cardinal Nichols replied: “In these times, when the burden of his office weighs ever more heavily, the Holy Father is strengthened by the prayerful support of so many. Your words, filled with charity and fraternal care, are a testament to the deep bonds that unite us in Christ.”
