The Vatican confirmed on Sunday, 2nd March, that Pope Francis is in stable condition and does not have a fever following a sudden respiratory episode that complicated his ongoing battle with double pneumonia.
While doctors say there are no immediate threats to his health, Vatican sources caution that the 88-year-old pontiff’s condition remains complex, with the “risk of crisis” still present.
Francis suffered a severe bout of respiratory distress on Friday, accompanied by vomiting, requiring high-flow oxygen therapy. Though he was not intubated, the pope was initially placed on a high-flow oxygen mask and has since transitioned to nasal cannulas.
A Vatican update on 3rd of March on Monday morning stated that the pope “rested well” overnight and continued his recovery while maintaining his daily routine, including reading newspapers and having coffee. He also participated in Holy Mass.
On Sunday, Francis issued a heartfelt Angelus prayer from his hospital room, appealing for peace in conflict-ridden regions, including Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and Kivu. He described his frailty as a blessing, calling his illness an opportunity to share in the suffering of the sick and vulnerable.
As his medical team monitors his condition closely, it remains unclear how much longer Pope Francis will remain in the hospital.
