CV NEWS FEED // Pope Francis has not experienced any further medical crises and remains alert and without fever, according to an update from the Holy See Press Office the evening of March 4.
The Vatican had reported Tuesday morning that the Pope “slept through the night and now continues to rest,” remaining under medical supervision as he continues respiratory therapy and physiotherapy.
He is currently on an alternating schedule of high-flow oxygen therapy during the day and non-invasive mechanical ventilation at night, according to the Tuesday evening update from the Vatican.
Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since Feb. 14 and has been suffering from bilateral pneumonia, spent Tuesday morning “devoted to rest and prayer,” and received the Eucharist, according to reports.
The Holy Father suffered two medical crises on March 3, caused by a significant buildup of mucus in his airways, leading to bronchospasms and acute respiratory insufficiency, CatholicVote reported. In response, doctors performed two bronchoscopies to clear the obstruction.
Though the Pope’s condition remains stable, and blood tests indicate that he does not have a new infection, the Vatican has reiterated that his prognosis is still “guarded.”