Pope Francis spent a restful night at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and woke up shortly after 8 a.m. (local time) on Wednesday, as he continues treatment for bilateral pneumonia.
The 88-year-old pontiff has been under medical care since 14 February.
His scheduled non-invasive mechanical ventilation resumed overnight, the Holy See Press Office stated in an update issued on Wednesday.
“The Pope rested well during the night and woke up shortly after 8:00 a.m.,” the statement noted.
On Tuesday evening, Vatican News reported that Pope Francis’ clinical condition remained stable, with no episodes of respiratory failure or bronchospasm.
The Holy See Press Office further confirmed that he did not develop a fever and remained alert, cooperative with medical interventions, and mentally oriented.
“This morning, he transitioned to high-flow oxygen therapy and underwent respiratory physiotherapy,” the statement said.
Throughout the day, the Pope alternated between prayer and rest. On Tuesday morning, he received the Eucharist.
Also read: Pope Francis’ pneumonia worsens, doctors monitor closely
While the pontiff's condition remains stable, his health remains a concern. Vatican sources stated that his heart, kidney, and blood values showed no deterioration, and the bronchospasms he experienced were consistent with pneumonia of this nature.
Reports earlier in the week confirmed that Pope Francis suffered two episodes of “acute respiratory insufficiency” on Monday, attributed to a significant accumulation of mucus in the bronchi, leading to bronchospasm.
The Holy See Press Office provided details of the Pope’s treatment, revealing that two bronchoscopies were performed to remove the large secretions.
“Today, the Holy Father suffered two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm,” the Vatican statement on Monday read.
“Two bronchoscopies were therefore performed, with the need to remove large secretions,” it added, confirming that Pope Francis remained alert, oriented, and cooperative throughout the procedures.
Medical experts note that the Pope’s episodes of bronchospasm were a reaction by his bronchi in an attempt to expel accumulated mucus, a natural process in bacterial pneumonia cases.
Pope Francis, who has faced recurrent health challenges in recent years, continues to receive close medical supervision as his treatment progresses.
Also read: Pope rests as Argentines across Rome pray for his recovery
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