Pope Francis, who has been in hospital with pneumonia for greater than two weeks, suffered two episodes of “acute respiratory failure” on Monday, the Vatican mentioned.
The setback got here after the pontiff, 88, had returned to being in a “steady” situation through the weekend following a respiratory disaster that precipitated him to vomit on Friday.
The Vatican mentioned the episodes on Monday had been brought on by “important accumulation of endobronchial mucus and a consequent bronchospasm”.
“Two bronchoscopies had been due to this fact carried out, requiring aspiration of plentiful secretions,” the Vatican mentioned. “Within the afternoon, non-invasive mechanical air flow was resumed.”
The Vatican added that the pope “has all the time remained vigilant, oriented and collaborative”.
Medics’ prognosis stays “guarded”, which means the pope isn’t but out of hazard.
Francis was admitted to hospital on 14 February with bronchitis, however his situation deteriorated into pneumonia in each lungs.
On 22 February, he suffered a protracted asthma-style assault and required blood transfusions for a low platelet depend.
After a number of days final week of exhibiting a “slight” enchancment, the pope had an episode akin to an bronchial asthma assault on Friday that additionally precipitated him to inhale vomit.
He’s susceptible to lung infections as a result of he developed pleurisy as a younger grownup and had a part of one lung eliminated whereas he was coaching to be a priest in his native Argentina.
Medical consultants have mentioned that Francis’s age and the persistent respiratory illness from which he suffers imply a sustained restoration will take time.
In a message shared on X on Sunday, the pope thanked well-wishers for his or her assist after lacking his Angelus for a 3rd week in a row.
Nightly prayer vigils for the pope’s well being are persevering with to happen at St Peter’s Basilica in addition to in cities and cities throughout Italy and overseas.
Earlier than his hospital admission, the pope maintained an intense schedule, particularly with occasions associated to the Catholic jubilee 12 months.
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