THE Pope’s clinical condition, while improving, remains “complex” and the prognosis “guarded”, Vatican News reports.
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.
Twice-daily statements on his condition are being released by the Holy See press office. On Friday morning, it was reported that, “As in recent days, the night passed calmly, and the Pope is now resting.”
On Thursday evening, it was said that “the Pope’s clinical condition continued to improve”, although it remained “complex”. “His prognosis remains guarded.”
“He alternated high-flow oxygen therapy with a Ventimask. Due to the complexity of the clinical picture, further days of clinical stability are needed to clarify the prognosis,” the Thursday statement said. He is continuing his respiratory physiotherapy, alternating it with rest.
The Pope spent Thursday afternoon in prayer in the chapel of his private apartment at the hospital and received holy communion, Vatican News reports. “He also engaged in several work-related activities.”
On Tuesday evening, it was reported that the Pope’s “clinical condition remains critical but stable. There have been no acute respiratory episodes, and haemodynamic parameters continue to be stable.”
He had undergone a scheduled CT scan to “radiologically monitor the bilateral pneumonia. The prognosis remains guarded,” the statement continued. “In the morning, after receiving the Eucharist, he resumed work activities.”
On Wednesday, a statement said: “The Pope had a quiet night and is resting.”
Prayer vigils have been held outside the hospital and elsewhere.
A letter on Tuesday from the Moderator of the World Council of Churches, the Rt Revd Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, and the general secretary, the Revd Professor Jerry Pillay, said: “We know that we speak for all Christians in our global ecumenical fellowship in the World Council of Churches, when we say that we are offering sincere prayers for your rapid recovery and renewed health in these coming days. We . . . prize your leadership and our close companionship on our shared ecumenical pilgrimage of faith.”
