Pope Francis battles health crisis: Latest updates from Rome
Pope Francis, who has been in the hospital for more than two weeks due to bilateral pneumonia, spent a quiet night and is resting, the Vatican reported on Saturday.
After previously showing improvement in the Pope's health, on Friday Francis experienced a respiratory crisis at the Gemelli Polyclinic, and his condition worsened. The Vatican announced in the evening that there was a single bronchial spasm, which led to vomiting and a sudden deterioration of the respiratory system. The 88-year-old Pope underwent bronchoaspiration and began non-invasive mechanical ventilation, to which his body responded well.
New updates on the Pope's health condition
On Saturday morning, the Holy See issued a brief statement regarding Francis's health condition. "Pope Francis slept well and is resting," it said.
Another update is expected in the evening. Meanwhile, as Reuters notes, doctors need 24 to 48 hours to accurately assess how Friday's episode affected the Holy Father's clinical condition.
For another day in a row, believers are gathering in front of the hospital where Francis is staying, as well as in St. Peter's Square. People are coming from all over Italy and abroad.
The 88-year-old Pope was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome on February 14 after experiencing several days of breathing difficulties. He was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia. Tests also revealed mild initial kidney failure, which "is under control."
Francis, who has been the head of the Catholic Church since March 2013, has been suffering from recurring health issues for two years. In his youth, he contracted pleurisy and had part of one lung removed, making him particularly susceptible to lung infections.
