Pope’s Condition Stable, No New Crises

Vatican City: Pope Francis’s condition is stable, and he has not suffered any new respiratory crises, the Vatican Press Office stated in its latest medical update on Thursday.

According to Ansa News Agency, the 88-year-old pontiff, who is being treated for bilateral pneumonia, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 and has experienced several respiratory crises since then. The statement from the Vatican noted that “The Holy Father’s clinical condition remained stable with respect to previous days. He had no episodes of respiratory insufficiency again today.”

The update also mentioned that the pope has continued with “respiratory and motor physiotherapy” and has benefitted from this treatment. “His haemodynamic parameters and blood tests remained stable. He did not have a fever,” the Vatican reported. Despite the stability, the prognosis for the pope remains guarded.

The Vatican’s statement elaborated that “Today the Holy Father dedicated himself to some work activities during the morning and afternoon, alternating between rest and prayer. Before lunch, he received the Eucharist.” While the Vatican has been providing daily updates on the pope’s condition, it announced that “in view of the stability of the clinical picture, the next medical bulletin will be issued on Saturday.”