As Pope Francis continues to battle health issues, the Vatican confirmed that the 88-year-old pontiff experienced two alarming episodes of acute respiratory failure on Monday. Medical intervention was necessary to clear mucus from his lungs, but the Vatican assured the public that he remained alert throughout the process.
Pope Francis Faces Health Setbacks Amid Acute Respiratory Issues
Pope Francis Faces Health Setbacks Amid Acute Respiratory Issues
The Vatican provides updates on Pope Francis' health condition after he experiences acute respiratory failure episodes, while supporters gather to pray for his recovery.
Pope Francis had been receiving support from an oxygen mask and ventilator to aid his breathing, and despite these challenges, he remained "focused and cooperative," according to the Holy See. These incidents mark the third significant health crisis since he was admitted to the hospital 18 days ago due to pneumonia, following a recent isolated breathing crisis that led to vomiting on Friday.
Prior to the latest developments, the pontiff had shown improvement, allowing him to discontinue the use of non-invasive mechanical ventilation; however, after Monday's setbacks, he has been placed back on mechanical ventilation. His illness has prevented him from performing his customary Angelus prayer in person for the past three weeks, with the Vatican sharing written remarks from him thanking the public for their prayers and expressing gratitude to his medical staff.
In a show of support, hundreds of Catholics gathered in St. Peter's Square for the eighth consecutive evening to pray for the Pope’s health, many bearing rosary beads. There were mixed emotions among the attendees, with some expressing deep concern over his condition. "I come every night to pray, but this night I am pretty worried," said Javier, a Romanian priest.
Pope Francis was first hospitalized on February 14 after experiencing breathing issues and was later diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs, a condition he is particularly vulnerable to due to past respiratory ailments. As his doctors remain cautious about his condition, the Vatican continues to emphasize that he is not out of danger.
Prior to the latest developments, the pontiff had shown improvement, allowing him to discontinue the use of non-invasive mechanical ventilation; however, after Monday's setbacks, he has been placed back on mechanical ventilation. His illness has prevented him from performing his customary Angelus prayer in person for the past three weeks, with the Vatican sharing written remarks from him thanking the public for their prayers and expressing gratitude to his medical staff.
In a show of support, hundreds of Catholics gathered in St. Peter's Square for the eighth consecutive evening to pray for the Pope’s health, many bearing rosary beads. There were mixed emotions among the attendees, with some expressing deep concern over his condition. "I come every night to pray, but this night I am pretty worried," said Javier, a Romanian priest.
Pope Francis was first hospitalized on February 14 after experiencing breathing issues and was later diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs, a condition he is particularly vulnerable to due to past respiratory ailments. As his doctors remain cautious about his condition, the Vatican continues to emphasize that he is not out of danger.
