Francisco remains «stable» after 19 days hospitalized: «He has not presented bronchospasmos or other respiratory insufficiencies»

Pope Francis’s clinical conditions have remained «stable» on Tuesday, on their nineteenth day admitted to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, after the two crisis of respiratory failure of the eve.

«Today the clinical conditions of the Holy Father have remained stable. He has not presented episodes of respiratory failure or bronchospasm, ”said the Holy See in its daily newsletter.

The Pontiff, however, continues to receive «high flows» of oxygen and tonight will resume non -invasive mechanical ventilation.

In addition, he has not presented fever and has been «at all times conscious, collaborating with therapies and oriented.»

The prognosis continues «reserved», that is, that doctors do not specify the evolution of the clinical picture.

During the day he has alternated the prayer and rest – in the previous days the Vatican had made known that he had worked in the signing of some documents and appointments – and has also received the Eucharist.

Francisco, 88, has been admitted to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome since February 14 by bronchitis with polymicrobial infection to which bilateral pneumonia joined.

This Monday he had suffered two episodes of acute respiratory failure caused by «an important» accumulation of mucus within the bronchi, which created spasms.

Therefore, two bronchoscopies were practiced, in order to aspire to those secretions, a consequence of pneumonia, since they are produced by the lungs to be able to expel bacteria.

In just ten days, Francisco has suffered four crises: both for accumulation of mucus in the lungs on Monday, another asthmatic respiratory on February 22 and the 29 other «isolated» by a bronchospasm that also caused him vomiting.

This morning, after having slept all night, he has continued with respiratory physiotherapy but without mechanical ventilation and, therefore, with high flow oxygen through nasal cannulas.

Meanwhile, in the Plaza de San Pedro the prayer of the rosary will continue for the health of the Pope, and this time the British cardinal Arthur Roche, Prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship will preside over.

The Vatican also reported that as of March 9, the first Sunday of Lent, the spiritual exercises will begin, «in spiritual communion with the Holy Father», to which the members of the Roman curia are invited. EFE