Pope Francis’ Health Update: Improved Condition, Cautious Prognosis
Current Condition and Treatment
Pope Francis, the 88-year-old spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, is reported to have experienced a comfortable night’s rest on Tuesday, February 23, 2023. He continues to receive daily therapy for bronchitis and pneumonia, and his condition remains stable since yesterday.
The Vatican press office issued a statement on Tuesday, noting that Pope Francis’ condition is similar to that of the previous day. There have been no respiratory crises similar to the one experienced on Saturday morning. The statement also confirmed that signs of mild renal insufficiency observed earlier appear to be under control.
Pope Francis has been receiving high-flow oxygen therapy since Saturday’s respiratory crisis, which resembled an asthma attack. According to the Vatican, oxygen therapy continues, but with slightly reduced flow and oxygen levels.
Cautious Prognosis
A statement released on Monday, February 22, indicated that Pope Francis has shown slight improvement. However, doctors maintain a cautious prognosis due to the complexity of his clinical picture.
External Activities
Despite his hospitalization, Pope Francis has continued to perform his duties. On Monday, he contacted the pastor of Holy Family parish in war-torn Gaza to express his support for the people there. He also signed decrees for sainthood causes in a meeting with Vatican officials.
Renal Function
Pope Francis’ renal function is being monitored through creatinine lab tests. Creatinine is a waste product produced by the muscles and filtered by the kidneys into urine. Dr. Robert Greenspan, a nephrologist, explains that some loss of renal function is expected with age.
However, he emphasizes that the rate of change in creatinine levels over time is more significant for monitoring the pope’s progress. Stable creatinine levels and adequate urine output suggest no cause for concern.
Polymicrobial Infection
Pope Francis was also diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection, which involves multiple pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, or parasites. These infections can cause both chronic and short-term illnesses, particularly when one microorganism makes the body susceptible to another infection.
Outlook
The Vatican has not provided an indication of when Pope Francis might be released from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. However, his condition remains stable, and he is receiving appropriate medical care. Doctors will continue to monitor his progress and adjust his treatment as necessary.
