Vatican City: Pope Francis ‘slept well’ overnight after experiencing two acute respiratory failures on Monday, the Vatican announced on Tuesday. ‘The Pope slept through the night and now continues to rest,’ stated the Vatican, emphasizing that there is no new respiratory infection as indicated by his blood tests. ‘His clinical condition remains complex, and further respiratory crises remain possible,’ it added.
According to Anadolu Agency, the 88-year-old pontiff faced two respiratory failure episodes on Monday. He underwent bronchoscopies and resumed non-invasive ventilation, with his prognosis described as ‘guarded.’ The Pope has been hospitalized since February 14, and his condition became complicated with the development of double pneumonia. By February 21, doctors indicated that his life was not in immediate danger, but his condition turned critical following a ‘prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis.’
On February 24, the Vatican noted a slight improvement in his health despite the critical condition. By February 25, the situation was described as critical but stable, with further improvements reported on February 26 and 27. A recent statement mentioned that the Pope underwent broncho-aspiration and non-invasive mechanical ventilation, which was positively received.
Since Saturday, the Pope’s condition has remained stable, though his prognosis continues to be guarded. Pope Francis was first admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital in 2021 for colon surgery. In 2023, he was treated twice at the hospital for respiratory issues and abdominal surgery to repair a hernia, which involved placing a prosthesis on his abdominal wall. The Pope has been using a wheelchair recently due to knee pain.