THE Pope requires “high flow oxygen” therapy throughout the day and ventilation over night, according to the latest Vatican update.
Francis’s team revealed there have been “no new crises”, however, and that the Pontiff spent the day out of bed in his chair.
ReutersThe Pope requires oxygen 24/7[/caption]
ReutersPeople attend a mass and pray for the Pope in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wednesday[/caption]
ReutersCandles and flowers outside Gemelli Hospital[/caption]
The update also revealed the Pope had restarted some of his work, despite his recent “acute respiratory failures” and continuing battle with double-lung pneumonia.
The statement read: “The Holy Father also remained stationary today without presenting episodes of respiratory failure.
“As planned, during the day, he underwent high-flow oxygen therapy and during the night non-invasive mechanical ventilation will be resumed.
“The Holy Father increased respiratory physiotherapy and active motor therapy.”
Francis again spent his day in his private suite on the tenth floor of Gemelli Hospital, and took part in the blessing of the Sacred Ashes.
He also received bread and wine in the Eucharist ceremony, according to the update, before getting down to some work.
He reportedly called Father Gabriel Romanelli, parish priest of the Holy Family of Gaza, who he has spoken to frequently since October 7, 2023.
Francis was rushed into hospital on February 14, where he has remained ever since.
He was later diagnosed with double-lung pneumonia, and his condition has been up and down.
But, on Monday, the pontiff suffered a major set back when he was hit by two “acute respiratory failures” which bound him to a ventilator.
By yesterday, he was well enough to be taken off constant ventilation, but still requires it overnight.
Rumours that Francis would resign were shot down yesterday by one of his close confidants.
Argentine journalist Elisabetta Pique, a friend and biographer of the Pope, was adamant he would soldier on.
She said: “He’s always been a fighter. He doesn’t give in under pressure.
“The more pressure they put on him, the more likely he won’t give in.”
The Vatican has been equally firm in denying rumours that the Pope is considering a resignation.
But French Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, who is tipped to be one of the contenders to replace Francis, said at a press conference that “everything is possible.”
ReutersNuns look holding a prayer service in St. Peter’s Square, at the Vatican, on Monday[/caption]
AFPThe Pope suffered two major breathing emergencies on Monday[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
