Vidal passes ‘most crucial stage’ in ICU

Retired Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal remains confined at the intensive care unit (ICU), but is in stable condition, one of his doctors revealed yesterday.

In an interview with Church-run Radyo Veritas, Dr. Rene Josef Bullecer said the cardinal is now in “stable condition” but still in the ICU of the Perpetual Succour Hospital in Cebu where he was rushed Wednesday.

“He just passed the most crucial stage, though still in the ICU but we have signs of improvements compared to yesterday wherein he was completely unresponsive,” he told Veritas on Friday, October 13.

Bullecer said Vidal was rushed to the hospital early morning of Wednesday, October 11, after complaining of mild fever and breathing difficulties.

“He nearly suffered cardiopulmonary arrest due to infections in the blood,” he said.

The 86-year-old Vidal had a mild stroke in September 2013 and has been in and out of the hospital due to pneumonia in 2014.

His Eminence is one of the four living cardinals in the Philippines who include Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, and Manila Archbishop Emeritus Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales.

Born on February 6, 1931 in Mogpoc, Marinduque, Vidal tendered his resignation to the Holy Father in 2006 when he turned 75 years old.

The Code of Canon Law dictates that every Catholic bishop is required to turn in their resignation on their 75th birthday.