Pope Francis Resumes High-Flow Oxygen Therapy Amid Pneumonia Battle

Rome: Pope Francis has resumed high-flow oxygen therapy as he battles pneumonia in a Rome hospital, Vatican sources said on Thursday. The pontiff, who has been hospitalized since February 14, is receiving the therapy through nosepieces, a shift from the mechanical ventilation with a mask that he has been using at night.

According to Ansa News Agency, the Pope continued his pharmacological therapy and physiotherapy on Thursday morning to aid his mobility. He is also reportedly eating solid food, indicating some level of recovery. Earlier in the morning, the Vatican Press Office stated that the Pope was still resting after a quiet night.

A medical bulletin released on Wednesday night confirmed that Pope Francis was in stable condition and had not experienced further episodes of respiratory failure. The bulletin detailed that he is battling pneumonia in both lungs at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital. The 88-year-old pontiff is undergoing high-flow oxygen therapy during the day and non-invasive mechanical ventilation at night, as part of his treatment plan.

The Holy Father spent Wednesday in an armchair, engaging in increased respiratory physiotherapy and active motor therapy. Despite the medical challenges, his prognosis remains guarded. On Wednesday, he received the Ash Wednesday ashes, marking the start of Lent, the Vatican reported.