The Vatican reports that Pope Francis is beginning to recover. REUTERS
Pope Francis is showing signs of recovery, according to the Vatican. On Sunday, the Vatican confirmed that the pope was stable and no longer needed mechanical ventilation. This came as a sign of improvement after a respiratory crisis on Friday. The 88-year-old pope had been struggling with double pneumonia, but his breathing function was getting better.
Doctors said that despite his stable condition, they still had a guarded outlook. They continued to monitor him carefully, as his health remained complex. After a coughing episode on Friday, which led to concerns of a lung infection, the pope was given supplemental oxygen. Thankfully, by Sunday, he no longer needed mechanical assistance.
Pope Francis has been in the hospital since February 14. He spent much of the day resting, praying in his private chapel, and taking part in Mass. He also received a visit from the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra. The details of their conversation were not revealed, but it is known that Pope Francis meets with them regularly, even when he is at the Vatican.
The pope chose to skip his weekly blessing to avoid any public appearances from the hospital. Instead, the Vatican shared a message he wrote from the Gemelli hospital, thanking his doctors and well-wishers for their support. He also prayed for peace in Ukraine and other parts of the world, saying, "From here, war appears even more absurd."
In his message, Pope Francis spoke of how his time in the hospital made him feel a deep connection with those who are sick and suffering. He said he could feel the “blessing” in his own frailty, as it was in such moments that he learned to trust the Lord more. The pope also thanked God for giving him the chance to share in the suffering of others.
Despite concerns over the respiratory crisis on Friday, many signs pointed to the pope’s recovery. After the coughing fit, which led to him inhaling vomit, doctors had to aspirate it and place him on non-invasive mechanical ventilation. The use of the mask was alternated with just supplemental oxygen. By Sunday, he was breathing without any need for the mask.
Doctors reported that the pope had no fever or high white blood cell count, which would have indicated a new infection. The passing of time and positive updates suggested that the pope had successfully overcome the crisis.
Pope Francis, who had part of a lung removed when he was younger, has been battling lung disease. He was admitted to the hospital after bronchitis worsened into double pneumonia. His hospitalization has drawn many pilgrims to the Gemelli hospital, where they come to pray for his recovery.
Father Riccardo Fumagalli, who accompanied a group of young people on a pilgrimage from Milan, went to the hospital to show support for the pope. He said, “It seemed good to us to come here to express our closeness.”
Also, Antonino Cacace, a cancer patient from Milan, came to the Gemelli hospital for his treatment. He hoped to meet Pope Francis and said, “I am glad the pope is giving me help.”
