Pope Francis is reportedly feeling well-rested after a troubling episode of respiratory failure, according to updates from the Vatican. The 88-year-old pontiff awoke just after 08:00 local time (07:00 GMT) on Wednesday.
Church officials disclosed that Pope Francis spent the previous night on “non-invasive mechanical ventilation,” a method used to assist his breathing. This announcement follows a statement made on Tuesday evening, which indicated that the Pope was stable after experiencing two instances of respiratory failure on Monday.
Stable condition amid ongoing health issues
In the update released Tuesday, the Vatican reported that Pope Francis “remained afebrile, always alert, co-operative with therapies and well-oriented.” Since mid-February, he has been hospitalized for treatment of pneumonia, a significant concern for the pontiff, who has a history of lung issues.
Following the episodes on Monday, Pope Francis began utilizing an oxygen mask and ventilator to support his breathing. This marked the second occasion that mechanical assistance was necessary, as he had previously spent two days on a ventilator after experiencing an “isolated” breathing crisis that included vomiting last Friday. On Tuesday, the Holy See also noted that he had reverted to high-flow oxygen therapy.
Impact on public duties
During the day, Pope Francis alternated between prayer and rest, receiving the Eucharist in the morning. However, he is expected to miss the procession and Mass on Wednesday that heralds the beginning of Lent, a six-week period leading up to Easter. Additionally, he has been unable to deliver his customary Angelus prayer in person for the past three Sundays.
The Pope was initially admitted to the hospital on February 14 after experiencing respiratory difficulties for several days. His treatment commenced with bronchitis before he was diagnosed with pneumonia affecting both lungs. Given his medical history, which includes contracting pleurisy in his youth and undergoing a partial lung removal, the pontiff is particularly vulnerable to pneumonia.
Vatican sources have emphasized that the Pope’s health condition remains complex, and his doctors are exercising caution, indicating that he is not out of danger.