Vatican issues statement on Pope's health

The Vatican issued a new statement in the evening regarding the health of the 88-year-old Pope, who has been hospitalized for 16 days at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome due to severe bronchitis contracted at the beginning of February and a diagnosis of bilateral pneumonia.

The statement said, "The Pope's clinical condition remains stable. He has used mechanical ventilation alternating with prolonged high-flow oxygen therapy and has consistently responded well to gas exchange. The Pope has not had a fever and no leukocytosis has been detected."

The statement, which noted that the Pope's hemodynamic parameters remain stable, added, "He has continued to eat and has actively cooperated by performing respiratory physiotherapy regularly. He has not experienced a bronchospasm attack."

In a statement made by the Vatican around noon, it was also noted that the Pope had a calm night and rested following yesterday's bronchospasm crisis, that he had not experienced another crisis since yesterday, and that he had no fever.

It was stated that doctors are maintaining a cautious approach regarding the progression of the illness.

During two public events on February 9 and 12, Pope Francis stated that he had bronchitis and was having difficulty breathing, and therefore could not deliver his speeches, asking his aides to read the texts for him.

It was reported that the Pope, who was taken to Gemelli Hospital on February 14, had 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 presented a complex picture.

In their statement on February 21, the Pope's doctors stated that while Pope Francis was not completely out of danger, his life was not in immediate peril.

On February 22, it was stated that the Pope, who suffered an asthma attack, was in critical condition.

On February 24, the Vatican stated that while the Pope's health remained critical, slight improvement had been observed, and on February 25, it described his condition as critical but stable.

The Vatican reported on February 26 and 27 that improvement had been recorded in the Pope's condition.

In its statement last night, the Vatican noted that a bronchoaspiration was performed on the Pope due to a bronchospasm crisis, that mechanical ventilation was initiated to ensure gas exchange—the respiratory system's primary function (the intake of sufficient oxygen and the adequate removal of carbon dioxide)—and that a positive response to the treatment was received.

News Source: 12punto