The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized for 18 days due to a double pneumonia, experienced two episodes of acute respiratory failure on Monday. Fortunately, the 88-year-old pontiff remained conscious throughout the ordeal. This latest health crisis was triggered by a significant buildup of mucus in his airways and the resulting bronchospasm, prompting his medical team to perform two bronchoscopies to clear out the abundant secretions.
As a result, the pope has resumed non-invasive mechanical ventilation, and his prognosis remains guarded, according to the latest medical update. The spiritual leader of over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide has been hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since February 14, initially being treated for bronchitis that later developed into double pneumonia. Just 48 hours prior, the Vatican had reported that his condition was stable, following a previous respiratory crisis on Friday that involved bronchospasm – a condition where the muscle tissue surrounding the airways constricts, leading to breathing difficulties.
This hospitalization, the fourth and longest since 2021, has raised concerns about the pope’s pre-existing health issues, including previous surgeries on his colon and abdomen, as well as his difficulty walking. The situation has also sparked questions about his ability to fulfill his duties, particularly in light of the fact that canon law does not provide any provisions for addressing serious health issues that could impact his mental clarity. Despite this, Pope Francis has recently dismissed any notion of resignation and has not made any public appearances since his hospitalization. On Sunday, he expressed his gratitude to the faithful for their prayers in a written message marking the Angelus.
The pope’s health has been a subject of concern in recent years, with many wondering how his condition might affect his role as the head of the Catholic Church. As the news of his latest health crisis spreads, Catholics around the world are likely to be keeping a close eye on updates from the Vatican, hoping for a speedy recovery for their spiritual leader. In the meantime, the Vatican will likely continue to provide periodic updates on the pope’s condition, offering insight into the latest developments in his treatment and care.
It’s worth noting that the Vatican’s handling of the pope’s health has been transparent, with regular updates provided to the public. This approach has helped to alleviate concerns and speculation, allowing the faithful to stay informed about the pope’s condition. As the situation continues to unfold, it’s likely that the Vatican will maintain this level of transparency, keeping the public informed about any developments in the pope’s treatment and care.
Key Facts:
- Pope Francis has been hospitalized for 18 days due to double pneumonia.
- He experienced two episodes of acute respiratory failure on Monday.
- The latest health crisis was triggered by a buildup of mucus in his airways and resulting bronchospasm.
- The pope has resumed non-invasive mechanical ventilation, and his prognosis remains guarded.
- This is the fourth and longest hospitalization for the pope since 2021.