Last evening, the Vatican reported that the Holy Father had had a bronchospasm, which required non-invasive mechanical ventilation. Today’s news of a quiet night is particularly welcome.
After suffering another respiratory crisis yesterday afternoon, his second dramatic event since February 14, the Pope had an uneventful rest of the day and night. Hospitalized since February 14 — now 16 days — the 88-year-old Pontiff was able to have a coffee this morning, a source reported.
This morning, the Vatican confirmed that the Pope’s night had passed “quietly” and that he was resting. This is particularly welcome news after yesterday’s worrying incident. Details of that are in the article linked immediately below.
Last night, a Vatican source estimated that it would take between one and two days to assess the consequences of this crisis. Thus, this evening’s medical bulletin could provide an update.
The Pope’s doctors have never said that he is out of danger, admitting that the various factors facing him — his chronic respiratory weakness, immobility, age, etc, — are part of a “complex” clinical picture caused by the infection and double pneumonia.
According to Vatican sources, the Pope can continue to eat normally, as yesterday afternoon’s crisis did not affect his digestive system. This morning, the Pope read the newspapers and had a coffee, which shows that the mask he uses to breathe is not invasive.
It is likely that the head of the Catholic Church will not publicly recite the Angelus prayer tomorrow. A text of his catechesis will likely be released by the Vatican, as was the case on the previous two Sundays.
Rosary in St. Peter’s unites the Church
Tonight, in St. Peter’s Square, Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, will preside over the prayer of the Rosary for Pope Francis.
Every evening since last Monday, hundreds of the faithful have come to pray with cardinals for the Pope’s health.
Pope Francis’ participation in the Ash Wednesday procession, the first day of Lent celebrated this year on March 5, has already been canceled. The pontiff will be replaced by Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, major penitentiary.
Since his hospitalization on February 14, the Pope has not appeared in public.
Here are images from the February 28 rosary, led by Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the DDF.