Pope Francis on Ventilator Again Amid Ongoing Health Concerns
The 88-year-old pontiff remains in stable condition at a Roman hospital while facing risks of respiratory crises.
Pope Francis, aged 88, is currently receiving treatment at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome for double pneumonia, where he has been admitted since February 14. According to the Vatican, the Pope was reported to be afebrile on Tuesday, with no signs of respiratory failure or bronchospasm occurring throughout the day.
On Monday afternoon, however, he experienced an acute respiratory crisis that was initially managed with non-invasive mechanical ventilation, which was later changed to high-flow oxygen therapy on Tuesday morning.
Despite this adjustment, medical staff decided to revert to the previous ventilatory method for overnight care.
A Vatican spokesperson characterized the Pope's clinical condition as complex, acknowledging the likelihood of respiratory crises given this form of pneumonia.
On the same day, the Vatican shared a video message recorded by Pope Francis for families prior to his hospitalization.
In St. Peter's Square on Tuesday evening, the daily rosary prayer for the Pope's recovery continued, a ritual that has been maintained for over a week.
This particular session was led by Cardinal Arthur Roche, the Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
Due to the Pope's illness, he will not preside over the traditional liturgical ceremony on Ash Wednesday, which will instead be led by Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, the Major Penitentiary of the Apostolic Penitentiary, on Aventine Hill in Rome.
Additionally, the Vatican has announced that the Pope will not participate in the Lenten retreats scheduled to begin on March 9.
On Monday afternoon, however, he experienced an acute respiratory crisis that was initially managed with non-invasive mechanical ventilation, which was later changed to high-flow oxygen therapy on Tuesday morning.
Despite this adjustment, medical staff decided to revert to the previous ventilatory method for overnight care.
A Vatican spokesperson characterized the Pope's clinical condition as complex, acknowledging the likelihood of respiratory crises given this form of pneumonia.
On the same day, the Vatican shared a video message recorded by Pope Francis for families prior to his hospitalization.
In St. Peter's Square on Tuesday evening, the daily rosary prayer for the Pope's recovery continued, a ritual that has been maintained for over a week.
This particular session was led by Cardinal Arthur Roche, the Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
Due to the Pope's illness, he will not preside over the traditional liturgical ceremony on Ash Wednesday, which will instead be led by Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, the Major Penitentiary of the Apostolic Penitentiary, on Aventine Hill in Rome.
Additionally, the Vatican has announced that the Pope will not participate in the Lenten retreats scheduled to begin on March 9.
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