Vatican Issues New Health Update on Pope Francis Amid Public Concern
Vatican Shares Latest Health Update on Pope Francis
Since he was admitted to the hospital earlier this month, Pope Francis’ health has been continuously monitored. A number of updates from the Vatican have clarified his diagnosis and continued medical treatment. A recent statement provides more details on his present condition.
Vatican News announced on February 14 that following his morning audiences, Pope Francis would be admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic hospital.
He then admitted to having bronchitis for a few days, which made it difficult for him to give public speeches, according to the Holy See Press Office.
During his Wednesday General Audiences and other events, the Pope had already assigned people to read his written remarks. Due of his continued sickness, Vatican News had earlier on February 6 announced that he would be holding his audiences from his home at Casa Santa Marta.
Doctors performed a number of diagnostic tests on him upon admission, and his treatment was aimed at controlling his bronchitis and averting other complications.
Pope Francis’ situation became much more concerning when medical professionals determined that he had bilateral pneumonia on February 18. According to the Holy See Press Office, he was receiving complicated treatment for a polymicrobial illness that included corticosteroids and antibiotics.
The Pope was said to be in “good spirits” despite his deteriorating health, rotating between reading, prayer, and repose. In addition, he was given the Eucharist and thanked everyone who had been praying for him to get better.
Pope Francis is still in critical health, according to a worrying update from the Holy See Press Office that Vatican News provided on February 22. The Pope experienced an asthma-like respiratory crisis earlier that morning, necessitating the use of high-flow oxygen, according to an Instagram update.
Transfusions were required after additional blood testing showed anemia and thrombocytopenia. According to the statement, the Pope was seated in an armchair and was attentive, but his health was still critical and he was more tired than the day before.
Pope Francis had been in the hospital for nine nights in a row as of February 23. He was still receiving treatment at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for double pneumonia, according to a Vatican statement issued Sunday morning.
Dr. Luigi Carbone, the vice-director of Vatican healthcare services, and Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of the Pope’s medical team, spoke to reporters for around forty minutes at a press conference.
The Pope was likely to stay in the hospital for at least another week, they said. They stressed that he was not completely safe, even though they informed the public that he was not in imminent risk of dying.
Pope Francis was not on a ventilator, according to Dr. Alfieri, but his breathing difficulties still required him to restrict his physical activity.
He stayed involved and carried on with his work in spite of this. “Hello, Holy Father,” a doctor said to the Pope in a friendly conversation, to which the Pope reportedly replied, “Hello, Holy Son.”
The potential of a bacterial infection getting into his bloodstream and causing sepsis was the main worry of medical professionals.
Dr. Alfieri, however, maintained his hope that Pope Francis would finally be released and go back to the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. However, he issued a warning that the Pope’s long-term pulmonary problems would not go away after he left the hospital.
Pope Francis has been in excruciating agony and has privately expressed uncertainty about his prognosis, according to people acquainted with the matter.
Doctors at Gemelli Hospital had to make the tough choice on Sunday to stop him from giving his morning Angelus sermon, which is uncommon, even during prior hospital stays. The Pope is now closely adhering to medical orders, according to insiders, which is a big change from his custom of sticking to his schedule.
Pope Francis has already experienced severe health issues. He spent several days in the hospital in March 2023 after contracting a respiratory infection.
According to the Vatican, Francis had been having trouble breathing and had been taken to Gemelli Hospital for examinations. After ruling out COVID-19, the doctors concluded that he needed specialized care and a prolonged hospital stay.
The Pope conveyed his appreciation for the prayers and assistance he received from all throughout the world during his recuperation. He was admitted to the hospital once more a few months later, in June 2023, for abdominal surgery to treat a painful incisional hernia.
Intestinal obstructions had been caused by the condition, which was a consequence of earlier surgeries. He spent nine days in the hospital before making his way back to the Vatican, opting to enter covertly through a side gate without pausing to speak to the reporters waiting outside.
Pope Francis has developed connections with a number of well-known people throughout the years, including Angelina Jolie and George Clooney. Supporters from all walks of life are still sending prayers and good wishes as his health continues to be a global concern.
