Pope Francis Remains Hospitalized Following Breathing Crisis
VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis, the 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church, spent a quiet night in the hospital after experiencing a worrying health setback on Friday. The pontiff, who has been receiving treatment for double pneumonia for just over two weeks, continues to be under close medical supervision at Rome’s Gemelli hospital.
The Vatican released a brief statement on Saturday, indicating that the Pope had a peaceful night and was resting comfortably. This update followed a concerning episode on Friday that raised renewed concerns about his overall health and recovery. A more detailed medical bulletin is anticipated later today, around 7 p.m., providing further insight into his condition.
On Friday, the Vatican disclosed that Pope Francis suffered an isolated health crisis characterized by vomiting accompanied by aspiration – a situation where vomit enters the airways. This event led to a sudden and significant deterioration in his respiratory condition, requiring immediate medical intervention.
To address the aspiration, doctors performed a procedure to remove the vomit from his airways. Furthermore, the Pope required non-invasive mechanical ventilation to assist with his breathing. It is important to note that this type of ventilation did not involve intubation, a process that would have necessitated sedation.
A Vatican official explained that the medical team is carefully evaluating the impact of this episode on the Pope’s overall clinical condition. They expect to take 24 to 48 hours to fully assess the implications and adjust his treatment plan accordingly. The doctors are closely monitoring his vital signs and response to treatment.
Pope Francis was initially admitted to Gemelli hospital on February 14, suffering from severe respiratory problems. His condition quickly worsened, leading to a diagnosis of double pneumonia, a serious infection affecting both lungs. This condition can cause inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue, significantly impairing the ability to breathe effectively.
Prior to Friday’s incident, Pope Francis experienced what the Vatican described as a "prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis" on February 22. However, there had been no reported repeat episodes until this recent setback. The medical team will consider this previous respiratory event while adjusting the plan of care.
The Pope’s medical history includes several bouts of ill health over the past two years. He is also known to be prone to lung infections, stemming from a bout of pleurisy he suffered as a young adult, which resulted in the surgical removal of part of one lung. This previous procedure could influence his current situation.
The length of Pope Francis’s hospital stay and treatment remains uncertain. Since his admission to the hospital, he has not been seen in public, marking his longest absence from public view since the beginning of his papacy in March 2013. His medical team has not yet provided an estimated timeline for his recovery or discharge.
The health of the Pope is a matter of significant concern and interest worldwide, not only for Catholics but also for individuals of all faiths and backgrounds. His leadership and presence on the global stage are greatly valued. Prayers and well-wishes for his speedy recovery are extended by people around the world.
The coming days will be crucial in determining the Pope’s progress and the future course of his treatment. The Vatican is expected to provide regular updates on his condition as they become available. The world continues to follow his situation with hope and anticipation. The Vatican’s silence had spurred speculation, and the release of information, even in limited amounts, is vital.
Crispian Balmer reported on this developing story, with editing by Valentina Za and Barbara Lewis. They are working to gather all the relevant facts as the story continues to unfold.
