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Pope Francis, the 87-year-old leader of the Catholic Church, has spent 15 nights at Gemelli Hospital in Rome following a battle with pneumonia. While his condition briefly worsened due to a bronchospasm on Friday, his health has since stabilized. As of Saturday, the Vatican confirmed that he has no fever and his medical team continues to closely monitor his recovery.

Pope Francis’ Health Status After 15 Days in the Hospital

The Vatican provided a detailed update on the Pope’s health status after he spent over two weeks in the Gemelli Polyclinic. Pope Francis, who was diagnosed with pneumonia affecting both of his lungs, is receiving intensive medical treatment. His 15th night in the hospital was marked by no complications, and doctors report that his clinical condition remains stable.

According to the official Vatican statement, Pope Francis alternates between non-invasive mechanical ventilation and high-flow oxygen therapy, which is helping him with breathing. He is responding well to this treatment, and his blood oxygen levels are stable.

Bronchospasm Episode Causes Concern

On Friday, Pope Francis’ health took a temporary setback when he experienced a bronchospasm. This episode led to vomiting and a brief but serious decline in his respiratory function. It was a concerning moment for both the Pope and his medical team. The Vatican released a statement late on Friday detailing the incident and confirmed that the situation was quickly addressed.

Despite this, by Saturday, Pope Francis’ condition had improved. His medical team emphasized that there have been no further episodes of bronchospasm, and they are confident that the situation has stabilized. The Pope is now continuing his treatment without complications.

Stable Condition and Ongoing Treatment

The latest updates show that Pope Francis remains alert and engaged in his recovery process. He has not developed a fever, and there are no signs of abnormal white blood cell counts, which suggests that his body is responding well to the treatment. His blood circulation remains stable, further improving his recovery outlook.

The Pope is also continuing with his respiratory physiotherapy. This is a critical part of his recovery as it helps improve lung function and assist in his breathing. He has also been able to eat, which is an important sign of his ongoing strength.

In addition to his physical care, Pope Francis has remained spiritually active. On Saturday afternoon, he received the Eucharist and spent time in prayer. This continued engagement in his faith has been a source of strength for the Pope during this challenging time.

Vatican’s Perspective on the Pope’s Prognosis

While the Pope’s condition remains stable, the Vatican has made it clear that his prognosis remains “reserved.” This means that while there is no immediate concern, the medical team will continue to closely monitor him for any changes. The Vatican’s cautious language reflects the seriousness of his condition, as pneumonia and respiratory issues can be life-threatening, especially in elderly patients.

The Vatican’s update on Pope Francis’ health was positive, and they remain hopeful about his recovery. However, it is clear that the Pope’s medical team is proceeding with caution, making sure he gets all the necessary care while also keeping the public informed of his progress.

Pope’s Resilience in the Face of Health Challenges

Pope Francis has faced health challenges in recent months. His hospitalization due to pneumonia is not his first health scare in recent years. In 2021, the Pope underwent colon surgery, and while he has made a full recovery, his age and medical history make him more susceptible to serious health conditions.

Despite his age and the health challenges he faces, Pope Francis remains determined to continue his duties. He has made numerous public appearances and has remained an active figure within the Catholic Church. His ability to stay engaged with his faith and continue his work during recovery is a testament to his resilience.

Global Support for Pope Francis

As Pope Francis continues his recovery, he has received an outpouring of support from around the world. Many Catholic leaders and faithful have sent their prayers and well wishes to the Pope, hoping for his swift and full recovery. The Catholic community has expressed deep concern for their leader but also confidence in his strength and determination.

Pope Francis’ hospitalization has also drawn attention from the global community, with political and religious leaders expressing their hopes for his health. His influence extends far beyond the Catholic Church, and his recovery is closely watched by millions.

Pope Francis’ Recovery and Future Plans

As Pope Francis continues to recover, the Vatican has not indicated when he may return to his regular duties. It is expected that he will continue to rest and receive medical care while focusing on his health. The Pope’s return to his public ministry will depend on his ongoing recovery, and his doctors will provide further updates as needed.

In the meantime, the Vatican remains committed to ensuring that Pope Francis receives the best care possible. His health remains a top priority for the Catholic Church, and his supporters are hopeful that he will return to full health soon.

For more updates on Pope Francis’ health, stay tuned to Financial Mirror.