Vatican confirms Pope Francis recovering well after health setback

The Holy See Press Office has provided an update regarding Pope Francis' health, confirming that the 88-year-old pontiff had a restful night and spent the early part of the morning continuing to rest.

"After a quiet night, the Pope is resting," Caliber.Az reports, citing the brief statement from the Holy See Press Office.

Following bronchospasm, which had required urgent intervention to ensure proper breathing, the Pope has not experienced any further health crises. On March 1 morning, he was able to enjoy breakfast, have a coffee, and read the newspapers. Despite his stable condition, the Vatican emphasized that the Pope's overall health remains complex, and the prognosis is still uncertain.

In a previous update issued on February 28 evening, the Holy See had revealed that the Pope’s respiratory condition had worsened after a bronchospasm. He was promptly treated with non-invasive mechanical ventilation, a treatment to which he responded well. Reports indicated that, thanks to this treatment, his gas exchange levels have returned to similar values as before the episode. 

However, sources from the Vatican stated that it will take another 24 to 48 hours to fully assess the impact of the bronchospasm on the Pope’s clinical condition. Pope Francis is currently receiving treatment for bilateral pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he was admitted on February 14 after a respiratory tract infection. His medical team continues monitoring his health closely.

By Naila Huseynova