“The Pope slept through the night and now continues to rest,” said the Holy See Press Office on Tuesday morning.
The Press Office reported that the Pope is continuing his respiratory therapy and physiotherapy, and has resumed high-flow ventilation, not mechanical ventilation, using a nasal cannula for oxygen.
Tuesday morning was devoted to rest and prayer.
The Pope is being cared for by health care professionals of the Governorate of Vatican City State and a group of doctors of the Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital.
The Pope has been receiving treatment for bilateral pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since February 14.
On Monday evening, the Press Office said Pope Francis had suffered “two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm.”
Both times, bronchoscopies were performed to remove the mucus buildup that caused the episodes.
“[On Monday] afternoon, non-invasive mechanical ventilation was resumed. The Holy Father remained alert, oriented and cooperative at all times,” noted the Holy See Press Office.
The Pope’s blood tests showed that he does not have an elevated white blood cell count, suggesting he has no new respiratory infection.
His clinical condition remains complex, and further respiratory crises remain possible.
The Pope’s doctors said his prognosis remains “guarded.”
Updated at 12:45 Rome time
Your voice matters! Join the conversation by submitting a Letter to the Editor here.
