Pope Francis had another good night in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after being admitted last Friday with bronchitis-related breathing problems, the Vatican said Thursday. On Wednesday, the Vatican reported a slight improvement in his condition.
Earlier this week, the Vatican said the Pope’s clinical picture was complex and that he had developed double pneumonia. He is expected to remain in hospital longer than initially planned.
Doctors are shielding Pope Francis from the slightest draughts as he continues treatment for pneumonia in both lungs, sources said Wednesday. “He mustn’t even catch the slightest draught,” medical staff said, according to Vatican sources.
Francis is also being protected from all stress, they added, amid a complex clinical situation. The Vatican has ruled out his saying the Angelus from his hospital window. Doctors are keeping all windows shut, sources said.
“Pope Francis had a restful night. This morning, he got out of bed and had breakfast in an armchair,” the Vatican Press Office said Thursday morning. On Wednesday evening, the Vatican said the 88-year-old pontiff’s condition was stable. “Blood tests evaluated by medical staff show a slight improvement, particularly in inflammatory indices,” it added.
Meloni visits saying Pope still has sense of humour
Premier Giorgia Meloni visited Pope Francis in hospital on Wednesday. She later told reporters they had laughed and joked, and she found him very reactive. “I am happy to have found him alert and responsive. We joked as always. He has not lost his sense of humour,” Meloni said after visiting the Pope, according to her office. Palazzo Chigi said she conveyed the government’s and nation’s best wishes for a prompt recovery.
A lung expert told ANSA on Wednesday that Pope Francis’ condition was serious but not compromised. Pulmonologist Stefano Nardini, past president of the Italian Society of Pneumology, said the Pope’s clinical situation “appears serious and must be monitored closely but is not currently compromised.”
“The general picture is complex, possibly due to past respiratory issues and the loss of part of a lung at 21,” Nardini said. “The situation is serious because bilateral pneumonia affects an 88-year-old body, possibly with previous chronic pulmonary conditions. However, the Pope was able to get up, sit, and carry out activities.”
“At present, his clinical picture does not appear critical. However, we lack information on factors such as whether he requires continuous oxygen therapy. That could indicate a more critical condition,” Nardini added.
