AGENCY
rome, Mar 4
Pope Francis, who has been admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome for 18 days, due to bilateral pneumonia has slept through the night and is resting, according to the Holy See Press Office.
The pontiff had suffered two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency on Monday evening. It was caused by build-up of a large amount of endo-bronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm. Following this, doctors performed bronchoscopies to remove the accumulation of mucus.
This was the third such serious health crisis the 88-year-old suffered since February 14.
They had resumed non-invasive mechanical ventilation on Monday afternoon as Pope Francis was said to have “remained alert, oriented and cooperative at all times.”
The doctors have ruled out any fresh infection in his respiratory system, as the blood tests showed no signs of elevated white blood cell count.
However, his health condition continues to be complex and further respiratory issues cannot be ruled out, as per the Vatican health team.
He had experience an “isolated” breathing crisis involving vomiting on Friday. However, the pontiff regained his health by Sunday as he responded well to oxygen therapy.
Pope Francis has missed his traditional Angelus prayer for three weeks now and would skip the mass and procession to mark the first day of the six-week Lent on Wednesday ahead of Easter.
Born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, he was motivated to join the Jesuits in 1958 after recovering from a severe illness. He chose his papal name in honour of St Francis of Assissi. He is known for making women full members of dicasteries in the Roman Curia and has called for decriminalisation of homosexuality.
