ROME — Pope Francis, aged 88, was admitted to the hospital on February 14, following an extended struggle with bronchitis that gradually impaired his ability to speak in public. This condition escalated into double pneumonia. Francis, who as a young man had part of a lung surgically removed, faces an intricate health scenario complicated by his overweight and inactive lifestyle, culminating in the longest hospital stay throughout his 12-year papacy.
Recent medical assessments reveal that while Pope Francis is no longer at risk of immediate death from the lung infection, caution persists due to his vulnerability. There has been no authorization from his doctors regarding when he might be discharged from the hospital.
Here’s an overview of the critical phases throughout Pope Francis’ prolonged hospitalization as outlined by the Vatican.
February 14 – Pope Francis was hospitalized shortly after engaging in audiences and presenting with bronchitis and a mild fever. A respiratory tract infection was identified by medical professionals.
February 17 – Doctors diagnosed a polymicrobial infection within the Pope’s respiratory system, marking a setback in his recovery process.
February 18 – An X-ray revealed the Pope had developed pneumonia in both lungs, resulting in confirmation of cortisone and antibiotic therapeutic courses.
February 21 – A medical conference revealed the Pope remained in critical but stable condition. He was reported to have developed steroid-induced diabetes that is under treatment, and his condition was no longer deemed imminently life-threatening. The prognosis remained cautious.
February 22 – Pope Francis encountered a respiratory crisis necessitating high-pressure oxygen via nasal tubes for the first time. He subsequently underwent two blood transfusions due to anemia and low platelet counts which were later resolved. However, this event marked a noticeable setback.
February 23 – Onset of slight kidney failure was reported as another setback. Although there were no repeated respiratory crises, the Pope’s condition remained critical.
February 26 – There was an improvement as the mild renal failure regressed.
February 28 – The Pope experienced an isolated coughing spasm during which he aspirated vomit, necessitating noninvasive aspiration. He responded well to treatment and was placed on a noninvasive mechanical ventilation mask for supplemental oxygen intake. The guarded prognosis persisted.
March 3 – Pope Francis experienced two acute bronchospasm episodes requiring bronchoscopies to remove mucus plugs, yielding plentiful secretions. Despite these interventions, he remained alert and communicative, though his prognosis stayed guarded.
March 6 – Pope Francis recorded a weak and breathless audio message for the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, expressing gratitude for their prayers.
March 10 – Physicians announced that Francis no longer faced imminent death risks due to pneumonia, opting to extend his hospital stay for comprehensive treatment.
March 12 – A chest X-ray indicated noticeable improvement in the Pope’s health.
March 13 – Commemorating the 12th anniversary of his papacy from the hospital, Pope Francis received a cake and numerous well-wishing messages and drawings. No new medical updates were released.
March 14 – Marking a month in the hospital, the Vatican declared it would stop issuing daily updates on the Pope’s overnight rest and reduce the frequency of medical bulletins, showcasing continued improvement in his health.