Pope Francis has been placed back on ventilation after experiencing two new episodes of respiratory distress, the Vatican confirmed today. The Pontiff’s condition worsened after a weekend in which, at 88 years old, he had reportedly rested well following a coughing fit on Friday evening.
The Pope suffered two episodes of respiratory crisis caused by a significant buildup of mucus in his lungs and bronchial spasms. Despite inhaling large amounts of mucus, he remained alert, oriented, and cooperative with medical staff.
A statement from the Vatican this evening explained, “Today, the Holy Father suffered two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm.” It added that two bronchoscopies were performed to remove the mucus.
In the afternoon, non-invasive mechanical ventilation was resumed. Throughout this, the Pope remained alert, oriented, and cooperative. However, the Vatican noted, “The prognosis remains guarded.”
This latest setback comes on the seventeenth day of Pope Francis’ hospitalization at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, as he continues to battle pneumonia in both lungs.
Earlier today, Pope Francis issued a message from the hospital, urging the public to hear his voice despite his ongoing health challenges. He addressed a “planetary crisis” in a letter to the general assembly of the Pontifical Academy for Life, following a call from his close friend, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia.
Paglia, who spoke after a press conference launching the Vatican’s new bioethics academy, said, “We need men like him who are truly universal and not just one-sided.”