Key Points
Pope underwent bronchial aspiration to clear airways
Experiencing mild kidney insufficiency that has subsided
Remains on high-flow oxygen therapy
Prognosis continues to be cautiously monitored
On the afternoon of February 28, the Holy Father experienced an isolated episode of Bronchospasm. This caused an episode of vomiting-which led to him inhaling some- and a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition, the Vatican News reported.
The Holy Father was promptly subjected to bronchial aspiration (to clear his airways) and was put on non-invasive mechanical ventilation, which improved his oxygen levels, it added.
On Wednesday evening, the Holy See Press Office provided the following update on Pope Francis' health.
"The Holy Father's condition has shown a slight further improvement over the past 24 hours. The mild kidney insufficiency observed in recent days has subsided. A chest CT scan carried out last night showed a normal progression of the lung inflammation. Blood tests conducted today confirmed the improvement seen yesterday," the statement read.
"The Holy Father remains on high-flow oxygen therapy but has not experienced any asthma-like respiratory episodes today. Respiratory physiotherapy is continuing. Despite the slight improvement, his prognosis remains guarded. This morning, the Holy Father received the Eucharist, and in the afternoon, he resumed his work," as per the statement.
People in Rome and the Vatican are relying on their faith as they cope with the daily anxiety waiting to hear about the pope's health. Francis' condition is frequently described by the Vatican as "complex" and the prognosis as "reserved," meaning that it's too soon to tell. And while there have been some signs of "slight improvement," his condition - until Tuesday at least - is still being described as "critical," CNN reported.
This is Francis' fourth, and now longest, hospital stay since he became pope in 2013. Everyone in the church's central administration remains on high alert, waiting for news - day and night - of the ailing pontiff, CNN reported.
Pope Francis, a master of surprise, is unlikely to have told anyone his plans. And so the world continues to wait, with a term being used in Rome about these intense days succinctly summing up the feeling of so many: "montagne russe" - a rollercoaster, CNN reported.
