Pope Francis shares audio message from hospital: 'Heartfelt thanks'
Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the Catholic world and head of the Vatican, has sent an audio message from the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where he has been receiving treatment for bilateral pneumonia since February 14. The Pope thanked those who have been praying for him, while the Vatican also shared information that his health condition is stable.
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According to a statement from the Vatican, the clinical condition of 88-year-old Pope Francis has remained stable in recent days. The statement noted that "the Pope shows no signs of respiratory failure, his blood pressure and blood tests are normal, and he has no fever." It was also stated that the Pope is undergoing respiratory physiotherapy and physical therapy to support his motor functions, and that positive results have been obtained from these treatments.
Pope Francis recorded an audio message for the first time since his hospitalization to express his gratitude to those who have supported him. The Pope's message was read during a religious ceremony held at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican.
In his message, the Pope, who said, 'I thank you from the depths of my heart for the prayers you have offered for my health,' paused occasionally to catch his breath while speaking in Spanish. The Pope concluded his message with the words, 'May God bless you.'
According to a report by Reuters, Francis was unable to finish his speeches at public events held on February 9 and 12 due to difficulty breathing caused by bronchitis. His aides completed the services by reading the speech texts on the Pope's behalf. The Pope, who was taken to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome on February 14, was diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection in his respiratory tract.
On February 18, the Vatican announced that the Pope had developed bilateral pneumonia and that his clinical condition was following a complex course. While the Pope's condition was considered critical after he suffered an asthma attack on February 22, it was announced that improvements were recorded on February 26 and 27.
POPE'S HEALTH CONDITION
On February 28, the Pope, who suffered a bronchospasm crisis, underwent bronchoaspiration and mechanical ventilation was initiated. It was reported that he responded positively to the treatment. Francis, who experienced acute respiratory failure twice on March 3, received non-invasive mechanical ventilation support. It was announced that his condition was stable on March 4-5.
While Francis's treatment process continues, statements made by the Vatican indicate that doctors have not shared a definitive prognosis regarding the course of the illness. It was stated that the Pope's health condition is being closely monitored and that the necessary treatments are being administered.