Pope Francis No Longer Needs Mechanical Help To Breathe – Vatican
Pope Francis has ceased relying on mechanical ventilation to assist his breathing during the night, and his physicians are optimistic about his ongoing recovery, according to a Vatican announcement.
Pope Francis has been admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for almost five weeks due to a serious respiratory infection that has necessitated changing medical approaches.
“The clinical conditions of the Holy Father are confirmed to be improving,” declared the most recent comprehensive medical report regarding his health.
Throughout his hospital stay, the pope had been utilizing non-invasive mechanical ventilation at night, which entailed wearing a mask over his face to facilitate airflow into his lungs.
Such ventilation has been “suspended,” the statement noted. However, it mentioned that the pope continues to receive oxygen through a small tube placed under his nose.
The Vatican press office reported, shortly after the latest statement’s release, that the pope’s doctors consider his infection managed. The pope is free of fever, and his blood tests show normal results, it added.
For two weeks, the pope has been characterized as being in a stable or improving state, though the Vatican has not provided a specific timeline for his release, noting that his recuperation is progressing gradually.
Pope Francis is susceptible to lung infections because he suffered from pleurisy in his youth and had a portion of one lung surgically removed.
He has been undergoing respiratory physiotherapy to aid his breathing as well as physical therapy to enhance his mobility. In recent years, he has relied on a wheelchair due to discomfort in his knees and back.
Medical professionals not involved in Pope Francis’ treatment suggested that, considering his age and additional health issues, the pope is likely to encounter a prolonged and challenging recovery process.
The pope’s hospitalization marks his lengthiest withdrawal from public appearances since he became pontiff in 2013.
On Sunday, the Vatican shared the first photograph of Pope Francis in the hospital, depicting him in prayer within a chapel.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
