New Delhi: Vatican officials have confirmed that Pope Francis had a peaceful night following a severe respiratory crisis a day earlier. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been in hospital for a week due to a serious lung infection, remains under medical supervision.
According to a statement from Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni, the Pope rested well, though no further details were provided on his current condition or whether he had resumed eating.
Pope suffered prolonged asthmatic respiratory
Doctors had earlier said that Pope Francis suffered a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis on Saturday morning while receiving treatment for pneumonia and a complex lung infection. He was given high-flow oxygen support to aid his breathing and underwent blood transfusions due to low platelet levels, which are essential for clotting.
Despite remaining alert and spending time in an armchair, the Pope has experienced increased discomfort compared to the previous day. His prognosis remains uncertain, with medical experts highlighting sepsis as a primary concern. Sepsis, a potentially fatal complication, could develop if the infection spreads into the bloodstream.
Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 following a deteriorating case of bronchitis. His medical team diagnosed a complex respiratory infection involving viral, bacterial, and fungal elements, along with bilateral pneumonia. His treatment includes antibiotics, cortisone, supplemental oxygen, and complete rest.
Pope’s condition remains delicate
Dr Sergio Alfieri, a leading physician at Gemelli Hospital, warned that the Pope’s condition remains delicate due to his age and pre-existing respiratory issues. “He knows he’s in danger, and he told us to relay that,” Alfieri stated.
Doctors have said Francis’ condition is touch-and-go, given his age, fragility and pre-existing lung disease, and that the main threat facing him is if the infection enters the bloodstream, a serious condition known as sepsis.
