A report from ROME (AP) has indicated that Pope Francis had a restful night in the hospital after being admitted with a respiratory tract ailment. The Vatican announced that the 88-year-old pontiff slept comfortably and was spotted enjoying a meal and perusing the newspapers on Saturday morning. His spokesperson, Matteo Bruni, shared that Francis had breakfast and engaged in reading while continuing his prescribed medication regimen.
The Pope, a native of Argentina, was taken to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Friday following a deterioration in his bronchitis condition, marking his fourth hospitalization since his ascension to the papacy in 2013. This recent health setback has sparked concerns about the frailty of his well-being. Initial medical assessments revealed the presence of a respiratory tract infection coupled with a mild fever, prompting the Vatican to cancel his scheduled engagements until at least Monday.
Known to be susceptible to respiratory issues during the winter season, Francis was diagnosed with bronchitis on February 6. Despite this, he persisted in conducting daily audiences from his residence at the Vatican. However, due to breathing difficulties, he had to delegate the reading of his speeches to an assistant. Notably, the Pope underwent lung surgery in his youth, and has grappled with various health complications over the years, including surgeries on his large intestine and abdominal area.
Francis, who relies on mobility aids such as a wheelchair, walker, or cane, recently endured a couple of falls which resulted in injuries to his arm and chin. Currently under medical care at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where a private suite on the 10th floor is reserved for popes, he disclosed that during a previous hospitalization in 2023, he had been diagnosed with a severe case of pneumonia affecting the lower part of his lungs.
Bronchitis can sometimes progress to pneumonia, a more severe infection of the lungs requiring careful monitoring and treatment. Physicians may detect pneumonia through physical examinations, including listening for abnormal lung sounds and conducting diagnostic tests like chest X-rays and pulse oximetry to assess oxygen levels in the blood. Treatments for pneumonia range from oxygen therapy to intravenous fluids, while addressing the underlying cause of the infection remains crucial.
This report on the health status of Pope Francis is made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Associated Press and The Conversation US, with generous support from the Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP assumes full responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of this coverage.
