Pope in stable condition: No new respiratory attacks
By Vatican News 3/1 1:00 p.m.
On Saturday evening, the Holy See Press Office issued the following statement concerning Pope Francis:
“The Holy Father’s clinical condition remains stable.
He is alternating between non-invasive mechanical ventilation and long periods of supplemental high-flow oxygenation, maintaining a good response to gas exchange.
The Holy Father does not have a fever and shows no leukocytosis [high white blood cell count].
His haemodynamic parameters have always remained stable; he has continued eat on his own and has regularly undergone respiratory physiotherapy, in which he cooperates actively. He has not experienced any further episodes of bronchospasm.
The Holy Father remains alert and oriented. He received the Eucharist on Saturday afternoon, then devoted himself to prayer.
The prognosis remains guarded.”
By Vatican News 3/1 9:00 a.m.
The Holy See Press Office said on Saturday morning that Pope Francis slept well and spent the first part of the morning resting.
“After a quiet night, the Pope is resting”, read the brief Holy See Press Office statement.
The Pope has not experienced any further crises following yesterday’s bronchospasm. This morning he had breakfast, enjoyed a coffee, and read the newspapers. His condition remains complex, and the prognosis is still guarded.
An earlier statement, issued on Friday evening had noted that Pope Francis’ respiratory condition worsened following an isolated bronchospasm. The Pope was promptly started on non-invasive mechanical ventilation, to which he responded.
Thanks to non-invasive mechanical ventilation, gas exchange values are reported to have returned to levels similar to those before the episode. However, about 24 to 48 hours are needed to be able to assess the Pope’s clinical condition following the isolated bronchospasm.
These statements come as the Pope continues to be treated for bilateral pneumonia in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. He was admitted on Friday, 14 February, following an infection of the respiratory tract.
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