Pope has 'isolated' breathing crisis in hospital, Vatican says

The Vatican has released information stating that Pope Francis experienced an "isolated" respiratory crisis in the hospital, after battling pneumonia for two weeks. This crisis led to vomiting and a "sudden worsening of respiratory condition" after a cough triggered a "bronchial spasm" on Friday. The situation underscores the Pope's ongoing health challenges.

Reportedly, the 88-year-old Pope's lungs needed to be suctioned to clear the vomit. Currently, he is receiving oxygen through a mask to assist his breathing. Vatican sources say that the Pope's doctors need 24 to 48 hours to determine if his condition has suffered any damage or regression. They have not yet provided any prognosis. The medical team is closely monitoring his progress.

Despite this, sources say the Pope remains conscious and in "good spirits." The Vatican said in a statement: "Earlier this afternoon, after alternating respiratory physiotherapy in the morning and prayer in the chapel, the Holy Father experienced an isolated episode of bronchial spasm, which however led to vomiting, with subsequent aspiration, and a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition." This highlights the delicate balance of his recovery.

The statement also noted: "The Holy Father immediately underwent bronchial suction and started non-invasive mechanical ventilation, with good response in terms of gas exchange." Vatican sources said the latest crisis occurred around 2 p.m. local time, but did not specify how long it lasted. Prior to this event, the Vatican's statements had been slightly more optimistic in recent days, speaking of a "slight improvement" in the Pope's condition. The Pope received Holy Communion that morning.

Earlier in the day, in a medical update that morning, the Vatican had said that the Pope was showing signs of improvement, but would remain at Rome's Gemelli Hospital due to the complexity of his clinical condition. The Pope was admitted to the hospital on February 14 due to breathing difficulties, which had persisted for several days. He was initially treated for bronchitis and was later diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia. Having had pleurisy (an inflammation of the lungs) and undergoing partial lung removal surgery when he was younger, the Pope is particularly susceptible to pneumonia.

Pope Francis, from Argentina, is the first Latin American and the first Jesuit to lead the Roman Catholic Church. During his 12-year tenure, he has been hospitalized several times, including in March 2023 for bronchitis treatment at the same hospital. His health has been a recurring concern throughout his papacy.