By Joshua McElwee
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – Pope Francis, currently in a stable condition while combating pneumonia during his 17th day in the hospital, held meetings with two Vatican officials on Sunday. He expressed gratitude to well-wishers for their prayers and support in a written message.
Francis, aged 88, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 due to respiratory issues that progressed into double pneumonia – a severe infection affecting both lungs, causing inflammation and scarring that makes breathing challenging. The Vatican announced on Saturday evening that the pontiff’s condition had stabilized after experiencing an “isolated” breathing crisis the day before.
In a message released by the Vatican in lieu of his usual Sunday prayer with pilgrims, which he was unable to lead for the third consecutive week, Francis stated, “I would like to thank you for the prayers. I feel all your affection and closeness and … I feel as if I am ‘carried’ and supported by all God’s people.”
The Pope also met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s second-ranking official, and Parolin’s deputy at the hospital on Sunday, as confirmed by Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni. However, specific details about the meeting were not disclosed.
Despite his hospitalization, the Pope has continued overseeing the Vatican’s affairs and last convened with Parolin and the deputy on February 24 at the Gemelli. The Vatican reported on Sunday morning that the Pope had a restful night. A comprehensive medical update on his condition is anticipated for Sunday evening.
An unnamed Vatican official shared on Sunday that Francis was maintaining a normal diet, moving around his hospital room, and undergoing the necessary treatment.
On Friday, the Pope experienced a constriction of his respiratory airways resembling an asthma attack. However, on a more positive note on Saturday, the Vatican indicated that the Pope’s blood circulation remained stable, and there was no increase in his white blood cell count, suggesting that his infection might be improving.
“The Holy Father’s clinical condition remained stable,” the Vatican stated on Saturday, emphasizing that the prognosis remained guarded, signifying that he was not yet out of danger.
It was also disclosed that for the second consecutive day, the Pope required non-invasive mechanical ventilation, alternating with extended periods of high-flow oxygen therapy.
Over the past two years, Francis has faced several health challenges and is susceptible to lung infections due to a history of pleurisy in his youth, which led to the removal of a portion of one lung.
Since his admission to the hospital, the Pope has not made any public appearances, marking his longest absence from public view since assuming the papacy in March 2013. His medical team has not provided an estimation of how much longer his treatment may last.
(Reporting by Joshua McElwee; Editing by Giulia Segreti, Elaine Hardcastle, and Helen Popper)
