Vatican, February 26: Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized since February 14 for treatment of double pneumonia, had a peaceful night and is currently resting, the Vatican press office announced on Wednesday.
On Tuesday evening, the Vatican provided an update on the Pope's condition, stating, "The Holy Father’s clinical condition remains critical but stable. There have been no acute respiratory episodes, and his hemodynamic parameters continue to be stable." The update also mentioned that the Pope had undergone a scheduled CT scan to monitor the progression of his bilateral pneumonia, with the prognosis remaining cautious.
Despite his health challenges, Pope Francis continued with his work activities on Tuesday after receiving the Eucharist. He met with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, the Substitute for General Affairs. The Pope also authorized the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints to promulgate several decrees related to individuals on the path to sainthood.
Among the notable recognitions was the "offering of life" of Servants of God Fr. Emil Joseph Kapaun, a U.S. Army chaplain who served during World War II and the Korean War, and Italian layman Salvo D'Acquisto. This category, introduced by Pope Francis in 2017, honors Christians who, following the teachings of Jesus Christ, freely and voluntarily gave their lives for others and remained steadfast in their commitment to death.
Pope Francis also acknowledged the heroic virtues of two diocesan priests and a layperson and made several appointments within the Vatican administration.
The 88-year-old Pope was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Hospital in Rome on February 14 after being diagnosed with bronchitis and later developed double pneumonia. A health update from last week also noted signs of mild renal insufficiency, which appears to be under control.
A statement on Monday indicated that, despite the severity of his condition, the Pope showed slight improvement. "No episodes of asthma-like respiratory distress occurred on Monday, and some laboratory tests showed improvement. Monitoring of his mild kidney insufficiency has not raised any concerns. Oxygen therapy continues, though with a slightly reduced flow and oxygen levels."
Doctors remain cautious in their prognosis due to the complexity of Pope Francis' clinical condition.
