Pope Francis remained in stable condition on Saturday, a day after experiencing a respiratory crisis amid his battle with double pneumonia, according to the Vatican. He spent extended periods without the noninvasive mechanical ventilation that he had initially required, signaling an improvement in his lung function. There were no further incidents of bronchial spasms, such as the one he experienced on Friday, during which he inhaled vomit from a coughing fit. The pope had no fever or signs of a new infection, was eating solid food, and continued his respiratory therapy. At 88, he showed a “good response” in his oxygen levels, even when using only high-flow supplemental oxygen during the long intervals off the ventilator mask. However, his prognosis remained cautious, as he wasn’t yet out of danger.
The Vatican stated that the pope was alert and aware of his surroundings, having received the Eucharist and spent time in prayer in the hospital’s private chapel.
This update followed a setback on Friday when his condition worsened after the bronchial spasm, requiring doctors to aspirate the vomit and place him on noninvasive mechanical ventilation.
Despite the challenging episode, the pope remained conscious and cooperated with medical efforts to aid his recovery. The ability to manage with only high-flow oxygen for extended periods was seen as a positive sign of improvement in his respiratory condition. Pope Francis, who had part of his lung removed as a young man, was admitted to the hospital after a bout of bronchitis developed into pneumonia in both lungs.
