The Vatican announced on 2 March that Pope Francis’ medical condition “has remained stable” throughout the day. Doctors have therefore confirmed that there are no direct consequences for his health following the respiratory crisis he suffered last Friday.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni also confirmed that Pope Francis “has not required non-invasive mechanical ventilation, but only high-flow oxygen therapy” and “continues to be apyretic,” meaning he has no fever.
This is the second consecutive day that the Pope has remained stable, after a bronchospasm crisis which caused vomiting and later forced him to receive non-invasive mechanical ventilation.
Doctors had already indicated on Saturday that the crisis had been overcome and that tests had not shown leucocytosis, the abnormal increase in the number of white blood cells that indicates an infection.
“This morning, the Holy Father participated in the Holy Mass together with those who are caring for him during these days of hospitalization and, afterwards, he alternated rest with prayer,” reads the end of this Sunday’s statement.
His clinical picture remains complex and therefore the prognosis remains reserved. The Holy Father is not out of danger and Vatican sources stress that his complex condition could also lead to other crises.