Vatican Gives Latest Update on Pope Francis' Condition
Pope Francis' medical condition is now stable, and his fever has subsided, the Vatican announced in a late update on Monday.
He has had bronchitis since Friday, but his health appears to be improving this afternoon, enabling him to start reading and doing some work again.
The Context
Pope Francis has recently struggled with various health issues.
In 2023, he was admitted to the hospital for pneumonia and had to undergo surgery to repair a hernia during that same year. In 2021, over a foot of his large intestine was removed because of severe inflammation and narrowing of the colon, according to the Vatican.
When he was young, he had part of a lung removed because of a severe lung infection. He also uses a wheelchair, walker, or cane because of his bad knees and pain from the sciatica nerve. This makes him more likely to get very sick if he gets a bronchitis infection.
"Being older and being wheelchair-bound are both risk factors for a situation where we can't treat it even with our best efforts," Dr. Maor Sauler, an expert in adult pulmonary medicine and critical care at Yale School of Medicine, said to the Associated Press.
What Is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the airways that bring air into and out of the lungs, resulting in coughing, excess mucus production, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. While it can be relatively mild in a healthy person, it can be more severe in individuals with pre-existing conditions or older adults.
What To Know
Despite facing numerous health issues, Francis is a workaholic who keeps a demanding schedule.
In a state of moderate health after his weeklong bout of bronchitis had taken a turn for the worse.
His recent hospitalization has already led to the cancellation of several events, including this week's weekly general audience. His schedule has now been cleared until February.
Doctors confirmed a "complex" respiratory infection and ordered "complete rest" along with unspecified medication treatments. Infections involving multiple germs, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites, make recovery more difficult and require close medical monitoring.
On Monday, the Vatican's official spokesperson, Matteo Bruni, reported that the Pope is in a stable condition. He mentioned that Francis had eaten breakfast and read the newspapers after spending a third consecutive "peaceful" night in the hospital. He also noted that the Pope's fever had gone down.
The Pope has also had daily video calls with the Catholic Church in Gaza on Friday and Saturday, as reported by its parish priest, Reverend Gabriel Romanelli. Additionally, the Pope sent a message on Sunday.
We really heard his voice. It's true, it was a bit tired," Romanelli said to Vatican News. "But we heard his voice clearly and he listened to us.
The pope has been reportedly contacting Romanelli daily since the Israel-Hamas conflict started in October 2023.
Outside the hospital in Rome where he is being treated, several Christian groups in the United States are also calling for prayers for the pope.
Pope Francis is reportedly "touched" by the support he has received, which includes numerous messages and drawings.
What People Are Saying
The Holy Father remains fever-free and is continuing with the treatment as prescribed. His overall health is stable. This morning, he received the Eucharist and then spent some time doing work and reading books.
I truly appreciate the affection, prayers, and support you're showing me during this time.
Oh, God, shepherd and ruler of all the faithful, have mercy on your servant Francis, whom you have chosen to be the leader of your Church as her shepherd.
The text says that prayers are necessary "because no one is strong enough on their own. As you get older, you feel the strain of your health, especially when you're under a heavy workload and putting in a lot of effort. So, if God wants, things will work out. Let's hope in God. We can't go against it, whatever happens."
What Happens Next
Pope Francis will stay in the hospital for an undetermined amount of time while he recovers from his lung infection. Bruni stated on Monday morning that the severity of his condition necessitates a "suitable hospital stay."
His schedule for February has been cleared, with his next appointment set for March 5, which is Ash Wednesday.
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