Archbishop Lucas encourages ongoing prayers for Pope Francis

Update (March 6): Pope Francis sent a message to all those who have been praying for him since he was hospitalized on Feb. 14.

“I thank you with all my heart for the prayers you offer for my health from [St. Peter’s] Square,” Pope Francis said from Gemelli Hospital in Rome. “I accompany you from here. May God bless you, and may the Virgin protect you. Thank you.”

Thousands of people have joined the cardinals residing in Rome and other Church leaders in praying the rosary in St. Peter‘s Square for the health of the pope, who is being treated for double pneumonia.

Update: The Holy Father’s medical condition stabilized Tuesday, March 3, after he experienced some acute respiratory problems the day before, his medical team advised.

Pope Francis has been at Gemelli Hospital in Rome since Feb. 14 and is being treated for double pneumonia.

“The clinical condition of the Holy Father remained stable today,” the Holy See Press Office reported Tuesday evening from the Vatican. “He did not experience episodes of respiratory failure or bronchospasm (a sudden narrowing of airways in the lungs that can make it difficult to breathe).”

Bronchospasms are to be expected with the type of pneumonia the pope has, Vatican News said. “However, his health situation remains complex.”

His prognosis continues to be guarded.

Pope Francis “did not run a fever, and he remained alert, cooperative with therapies, and oriented,” press office said. “During the day, he alternated between spending time in prayer and at rest, and this morning he received the Eucharist.”

Update: Pope Francis experienced a respiratory crisis Friday morning (Feb. 28) that led to “an episode of vomiting with inhalation,” according to a medical bulletin released from the Holy See.

The bulletin stated that after a morning spent in prayer, receiving the Eucharist, and respiratory physiotherapy, the pope experienced “an isolated crisis of bronchospasm.” A bronchospasm occurs when the muscles that line the airways in the lungs tighten, causing wheezing and coughing.

After his airways were suctioned, the pope was put on a noninvasive mechanical ventilator “with a good response,” the communication said. It further noted that Pope Francis remained alert, oriented and cooperative.

For the most up-to-date information on Pope Francis’ health, visit the VATICAN NEWS site.

Update: Pope Francis’ health has continued to improve over the past several days, the Holy See Press Office said Thursday evening (Feb. 27) from the Vatican.

His condition was considered “guarded,” an improvement from earlier in the week, when the state of his health was described as “critical, but stable.”

The pope has been hospitalized since Feb. 14, following a bout of bronchitis which later developed into double pneumonia.

“The Holy Father’s clinical condition is confirmed to be improving again today,” the office said in a Thursday update on the pope’s health. “He alternated high-flow oxygen therapy with a Ventimask,” the update said. “Due to the complexity of the clinical picture, further days of clinical stability are needed to clarify the prognosis.

“In the morning, the Holy Father underwent respiratory physiotherapy, alternating it with rest. In the afternoon, after an additional physiotherapy session, he spent time in prayer in the chapel of his private apartment on the 10th floor (in Gemelli Hospital in Rome), where he received the Eucharist. He then engaged in work activities.”

The press release said the pope slept well, was able to get out of bed and be treated in an armchair, and was in good spirits. A Jubilee Audience that had been scheduled for Saturday, March 1, was canceled, though, according to Vatican News.

From Feb. 24:

Archbishop George J. Lucas has encouraged everyone to pray for Pope Francis as he struggles with double pneumonia and other health issues at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.

Pope Francis has been hospitalized since February 14 after he was admitted with bronchitis.

Following news from the Vatican Saturday that the Holy Father was in critical condition and had experienced a respiratory crisis, Archbishop Lucas issued the following statement:

“I invite all to join me this weekend in prayers for Pope Francis. At this critical moment, we ask the Lord to bless him with healing and peace.  The Holy Father has invited all of us to experience a more personal relationship with Jesus.  May Jesus Whose Gospel he has proclaimed so joyfully reveal His love to the pope at this time.”

The most recent update on the 88-year-old pope’s health, issued Sunday evening, offered some promise.

“The Holy Father’s clinical condition, despite its severity, has shown a slight improvement,” Vatican News said.

“No episodes of asthma-like respiratory distress occurred today, and some laboratory tests have shown improvement. The monitoring of his mild kidney insufficiency has not raised any concerns. Oxygen therapy continues, although with slightly reduced flow and oxygen levels.

“Given the complexity of the clinical picture, the doctors are prudently maintaining their cautious prognosis.”

Pope Francis even managed to work Monday, following his tenth night in the hospital, according to the news site.

“In the morning, the Pope received the Eucharist, while in the afternoon, he resumed his work.

“In the evening, he called the parish priest of Gaza to express his paternal closeness.

Pope Francis thanks the entire People of God, who in these days have gathered to pray for his health.”