Pope Francis Responding Well to Pneumonia Therapy, But Doctors Remain Cautious- wna24
Pope Francis Responding Well to Pneumonia Therapy, But Doctors Remain Cautious | Image:
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Rome: After weeks of suffering, Pope Francis is responding “well” to therapy for double pneumonia and has shown a “gradual, slight improvement” in recent days, the Vatican said Saturday. But as a precaution his doctors have decided to keep his prognosis as guarded.
In a statement, doctors reported that Francis has remained stable, with no fever and good oxygen levels in his blood.
Pope Remains Stable, But Not Out of Danger
The statement said the doctors decided to keep his prognosis guarded, meaning he isn’t out of danger. Francis worked and rested during the day Saturday, the Vatican said.
Earlier on Thursday, Pope recorded and released an audio message expressing gratitude to his well-wishers and followers for praying for his recovery. This marked his first audio message since he was hospitalized nearly three weeks ago for double pneumonia.
Also Read: ‘Thank You…’: Pope Francis Releases New Audio Message from Hospital
He thanked people for their prayers and support during his treatment.
“I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for my health. From the square, I accompany you from here,” Francis said in a message broadcast in St. Peter’s Square.
“May God bless you, and the Virgin protect you. Thank you,” he said, speaking in his native Spanish and pausing every few words to take a deep breath.
Pontiff’s Health over the Week
The Vatican reported that the 88-year-old pontiff rested well overnight, waking up shortly after 8 am Wednesday. While his condition remains stable, doctors caution that he is not yet out of danger.
Francis, who has chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed in his youth, suffered two respiratory crises on Monday, complicating his recovery. By Tuesday, he was breathing with the help of supplemental oxygen but resumed using a ventilation mask at night.
Pope Francis was in stable condition Tuesday and breathing with just the help of supplemental oxygen after respiratory crises a day earlier, but will resume using a ventilation mask at night, the Vatican said.
In its late update, the Vatican said Francis had no further respiratory episodes during a day spent praying, resting and undergoing respiratory physiotherapy.