Pope Francis is showing ‘gradual, slight improvement’ but remains in hospital amid double pneumonia battle, Vatican says in new health update

Pope Francis is showing ‘gradual, slight improvement’ but remains in hospital amid double pneumonia battle, Vatican says in new health update

February 14 

Pope Francis is hospitalized with bronchitis and a slight fever immediately following a morning of audiences. 

Doctors diagnose respiratory tract infection. Two subsequent events in the following days are canceled, and a cardinal is slotted in for the pope to celebrate a Sunday Jubilee Mass.

February 15

Francis’ fever breaks while respiratory infection continues. Doctors order ‘absolute rest.’ Delivery of traditional noon blessing for Sunday is canceled.

February 16

Condition stable (stationary), pope follows Mass on television.

February 17

Pope Francis is diagnosed with polymicrobial (bacterial, viral and fungal) infection in the respiratory passages, marking a setback. 

Treatment adjusted. Wednesday general audience canceled.

February 18

Chest scan indicates Pope Francis has developed pneumonia in both lungs, marking another setback.

Cortisone and antibiotic treatments are confirmed. Jubilee audience on Saturday is canceled.

February 19

Condition stable with blood exams indicating levels of inflammation improving. Premier Giorgia Meloni visits, first known outside visitor.

February 20

Pope’s condition improves slightly.

February 21

Pope’s doctors say at a news conference that the pope remains in critical condition and isn’t out of danger, but that his condition isn’t imminently life-threatening. 

Doctors say the pope has developed steroid-induced diabetes that is being treated. Warn of sepsis risk. Prognosis is guarded.

February 22

Pope in critical condition after experiencing a respiratory crisis and requires high-pressure oxygen through nasal tubes, in the first mention of assisted breathing. 

Francis also receives two blood transfusions after tests show signs of anemia and low platelet count that later are resolved. Setback.

February 23

Doctors report that the pope has gone into onset of slight kidney failure, in a setback. No repeat of the respiratory crisis, but he remains in critical condition.

February 24

Doctors report slight improvement. No crises. Mild renal failure isn’t causing concern.

February 25

Condition remains critical, but stable. No acute respiratory episodes. Underwent chest scan to monitor double pneumonia. Prognosis remains reserved.

February 26

The mild renal failure has regressed, in an improvement. Continues to receive oxygen through nasal tubes, and undergoes respiratory physiotherapy.

 Doctors no longer refer to condition being critical, but repeat prognosis is guarded.

February 27

Doctors say a chest CT scan taken a day earlier shows the ‘normal evolution’ of pneumonia infection as it’s being treated. Again no reference to critical condition.

February 28

Pope suffers isolated coughing spasm during which he inhaled vomit, in a setback requiring noninvasive aspiration to remove. 

Responded well. Placed on a noninvasive mechanical ventilation mask to pump supplemental oxygen into his lungs. Prognosis remains guarded.

March 1

Condition stable after respiratory crisis. Pope alternates noninvasive mechanic ventilation mask with long periods of nasal tube with high flows of supplemental oxygen.

March 2

Condition stable. No need for noninvasive mechanical ventilation, just the nasal tube high pressure oxygen therapy. Pope participated in Mass.

March 3

Two acute bronchospasm episodes in a setback requiring bronchoscopies, or a camera-tipped tube with a device to remove mucus plugs, yielding abundant secretions. 

Restarted the noninvasive mechanical ventilation. Pope remained alert, oriented and collaborative during maneuvers. Prognosis remains guarded.

March 4

Stable condition with no crises. Pope is alternating high-flow delivery of oxygen through nasal tubes by day to noninvasive mechanical ventilation mask delivery by night.

March 5

Stable condition with no incidences of respiratory crisis. Physical therapy added to the course of respiratory therapy. 

Spent the day in an armchair working, including a call to the parish priest of Gaza.

March 6

Stable condition with no incidences of respiratory crisis. Physical therapy and respiratory therapy continue, work alternating with rest and prayer. 

Pope records an audio message that is broadcast to the faithful in St. Peter’s Square thanking them for their prayers. 

His voice is weak and he’s out of breath.

March 7

Stable condition, continuing respiratory therapy.

March 8

Doctors say continued stability shows Francis is responding well to treatment and showing ‘gradual, slight improvement.’ Prognosis remains guarded.

Pope Francis is hospitalized with bronchitis and a slight fever immediately following a morning of audiences. 

Doctors diagnose respiratory tract infection. Two subsequent events in the following days are canceled, and a cardinal is slotted in for the pope to celebrate a Sunday Jubilee Mass.

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