Pope Francis, aged 88, continues to battle double pneumonia and other health challenges, having been hospitalized since February 14. After enduring bronchitis for over a week, the pontiff was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital. Despite his condition remaining critical, the Vatican reports a "slight improvement" in his health, allowing him to resume work from the hospital. The pope's ongoing recovery is under the watchful eyes of his physicians, with daily updates provided by the Vatican.
Francis experienced an "asthma-like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity" on Saturday morning, necessitating high-flow oxygen therapy. However, by Sunday morning, he was able to attend Mass at the hospital alongside medical staff. On Monday, a Vatican official confirmed that the pope was eating normally and able to move around his hospital room. He also received two units of concentrated red blood cells, resulting in improved hemoglobin levels.
"Thank you for this closeness and for the comforting prayers I have received from all over the world!" – Pope Francis
The global Catholic community and others have been fervently praying for Pope Francis' recovery. In response to these expressions of goodwill, the Vatican has organized nightly rosary recitations in St. Peter's Square, led by cardinals in Rome, to pray for the pope's health. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, will lead the rosary on Monday.
"I entrust everyone to the intercession of Mary and ask you to pray for me." – Pope Francis
"I invite you to remember the victims of all armed conflicts," – Pope Francis
"And to pray for the gift of peace in Palestine, Israel, and throughout the Middle East, in Myanmar, in Kivu, and in Sudan." – Pope Francis
Pope Francis remains under close medical supervision with his condition being monitored meticulously. Dr. Robert Greenspan, an expert in respiratory illnesses, noted that if Francis' creatinine levels remain stable and urine output is good, his recovery should not face significant obstacles.
"If the creatinine is stable and the urine output good there should be no problem with his recovery." – Dr. Robert Greenspan
"Right now no alarms are going up." – Dr. Robert Greenspan
"If the creatinine number generally isn't as important as the change in the number over days − that is what physicians will be monitoring for the pope," he said. – Dr. Robert Greenspan
The Vatican's latest update on Monday confirmed that since his "respiratory crisis," Pope Francis has experienced no further episodes of asthma-like respiratory distress. This positive development has allowed him to resume some of his duties even while hospitalized. A Vatican update highlighted his commitment to his role, noting that he called a parish in Gaza in the evening.
"Pope Francis has resumed work and, in the evening, called the parish in Gaza," – Vatican update
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