The Vatican issued a report on Friday, revealing that Pope Francis, 88, was in a condition that was stable but complex due to pneumonia, expanding on details of the pope’s multiple respiratory crises in days preceding this report: the loaded mention on February 14 is for the latest episode.
As his first public communication since hospitalization, the Vatican released an audio message Thursday evening.
Playing to the pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square, the pope, sounding weak and breathless in the nearly four- to 30-minute audio, spoke in his native Spanish instead of Italian. However, a Vatican source clarified the language choice was meant so more people could understand it.
Speculation surrounding the pope’s health has widened, now fueled by the lack of recent pictures of him. Nonetheless, the Vatican assured the public on Friday that although his condition is serious, he is receiving proper care.
According to the Vatican press office, he has been able to do some light work and physiotherapy but has mostly wrapped up in rest and prayer. The pope would continue to pray for about 20 minutes, visiting the small chapel in the hospital’s papal suite, it was said.
Respiratory support is being given to him through the cooperation of the doctors during the night, providing the pope with an oxygen mask and, during the day, a high-flow nasal cannula. His prognosis remains uncertain, but Vatican officials emphasize that he is under continuous medical attention.
Once again, this latest health scare has led to concerns regarding the pope’s ability to hold up under such a demanding schedule as he approaches his 11th year at the head of the Catholic Church.
