Pope Francis encountered an “isolated breathing crisis” while in the hospital on Friday, February 28, marking a challenge for the 88-year-old pontiff as he fights double pneumonia.
Francis has been receiving care at Rome’s Gemelli hospital for two weeks, having been admitted on February 14 due to a severe respiratory infection with additional complications.
“This afternoon, the Holy Father experienced an isolated bronchospasm crisis,” the most recent detailed report revealed, describing a constriction in the Pope’s airways similar to an asthma attack.
The Pope also endured “an episode of vomiting with inhalation and a sudden worsening of the respiratory condition,” necessitating aspiration to clear his airways, followed by “non-invasive mechanical ventilation,” according to the statement.
Despite the setback, the statement confirmed, “Francis has remained alert and well-oriented” as his treatments continue.
This update came after three days of more promising news, with earlier reports indicating the Pope had shown “slight improvement” in dealing with what is described as a “complex” infection from multiple microorganisms.
An unnamed Vatican official stated that Friday’s breathing issue was brief. The Pope underwent light mask ventilation over his nose and mouth, the official added.
Doctors plan to spend 24 to 48 hours evaluating how this episode might affect his clinical condition, though he has not been considered in critical condition recently.
The Pope previously endured a “prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis” on February 22, but there hadn’t been any new crises until Friday.
While the Vatican has not specified the duration of the Pope’s hospital stay, it has announced that Francis will not lead the upcoming annual Church service to start Lent.
The March 5 Ash Wednesday service, signifying the 40-day period leading to Easter Sunday, will instead be entrusted to a senior Vatican official.
Pope Francis, pontiff since 2013 and known for his intense work ethic, continues to steer the Vatican from the hospital with staff appointments approved daily.
On Friday, the Vatican published a papal letter to church training course participants in Rome, signed by Francis with a note stating it was dispatched “from Gemelli hospital.”
Cardinal Michael Czerny, head of the Vatican’s development office, told Italy’s La Stampa newspaper that Francis is recovering, albeit “slower than we’d prefer.”
Over the past two years, Francis has faced several health challenges. He is susceptible to lung infections as he suffered from pleurisy in his youth, which led to the partial removal of one lung.
Double pneumonia is a serious condition affecting both lungs, causing inflammation and scarring that make breathing difficult. Though the Vatican mentioned a “prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis” last Saturday, no further incidents have occurred.