Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized with pneumonia, experienced a breathing “crisis” on Friday that caused him to vomit. However, he was provided with supplemental air and responded positively, according to the Vatican.
The incident occurred just hours after Vatican officials had stated that the 88-year-old pontiff’s condition was no longer considered critical, following a series of gradual improvements.
In a statement on Friday evening, the Vatican explained that Pope Francis “presented an isolated crisis of bronchospasm,” which led to an episode of vomiting, inhalation, and a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition. The statement added that the pope promptly underwent broncho-aspiration and began non-invasive mechanical ventilation, which led to a positive response in his gas exchange.
Despite the health scare, the Holy Father “remained alert and oriented at all times, cooperating with the therapeutic procedures,” the Vatican said.
Doctors indicated that it would take between 24 to 48 hours to determine whether the breathing episode has worsened his condition. A Vatican source stated that while the pope was “not out of danger,” he was “in good spirits” and using an oxygen mask that covered both his nose and mouth.
The pope, who was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 for breathing difficulties, later developed pneumonia in both lungs, raising concerns. He had a breathing attack over the weekend, but since then, his condition has shown slight improvement, with the Vatican releasing more optimistic medical updates. However, the pope’s prognosis remains “reserved,” meaning doctors are refraining from making predictions about his health.
Medical experts have cautioned that, due to his age and a chronic respiratory condition, Pope Francis’s recovery could take time. The pope, who had part of one lung removed as a young man and has faced increasing health issues in recent years, is also prone to bronchitis and suffers from hip and knee pain, which has made him reliant on a wheelchair.
Despite his health struggles, Pope Francis has continued to work from his hospital suite on the Gemelli’s 10th floor and has been performing breathing exercises while resting and praying, according to the Vatican.
This marks the pope’s fourth hospital stay during his nearly 12-year papacy and is his longest hospitalisation to date. In recent years, he has undergone surgery for a colon issue, a hernia operation, and a prior hospitalization for bronchitis.
Speculation has arisen about whether Pope Francis might consider resigning, particularly as his schedule has been demanding, with celebrations for the holy Jubilee year. Italian Vatican expert Marco Politi noted that if the pope survives, many believe he might choose to complete the Jubilee year, but when he turns 89, the question of resignation could arise.
Pope Francis has previously expressed openness to following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, who stepped down in 2013 due to health reasons. However, before his hospitalization, Francis had repeatedly stated that he did not feel it was yet time to resign — and perhaps never would.
AFP
