Pope in stable condition, no recurrence of breathing crisis: Vatican

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Websites
1 Mar 2025 22:59

The 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church is still receiving oxygen but has no fever, is eating, remains alert, and has been praying.

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Pope Francis presides over an Epiphany mass in St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, on January 6, 2023. (AP)

Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized for two weeks with double pneumonia, remains in "stable" condition without a recurrence of the previous day's breathing crisis, the Vatican announced on Saturday.

The 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church is still receiving oxygen but has no fever, is eating, remains alert, and has been praying, according to the Holy See’s daily evening update.

His hemodynamic parameters—related to blood flow—are stable, and he does not have leukocytosis, a high white blood cell count typically signaling infection, the Vatican added.

"The clinical conditions of the Holy Father have remained stable," the statement said, though it reiterated that his prognosis remained "reserved."

Francis, who leads nearly 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 with bronchitis, which later progressed into pneumonia affecting both lungs.

Last weekend, the Vatican reported that he was in a "critical" state following a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis while being treated for pneumonia and a complex lung infection, according to the Vatican. The situation required blood transfusions, raising widespread concern.

Although updates throughout the week suggested gradual improvement, the situation took a worrying turn on Friday. The Vatican revealed that Francis suffered a sudden bronchospasm, leading to vomiting, inhalation, and an acute worsening of his respiratory condition.

Doctors stated that the following 24 to 48 hours would be crucial in determining whether his condition deteriorates further.

Andrea Ungar, a geriatrics professor at the University of Florence, told AFP on Saturday that it appeared the Pope had inhaled vomit, exacerbating his pneumonia.

Such a complication typically necessitates stronger antibiotics, respiratory support, and breathing exercises, he explained.

He also emphasized that the first 24 to 48 hours after such an event are critical, adding that the pontiff would likely require a prolonged hospital stay, with "at least 10 days" being the most optimistic estimate.