Pope Francis has suffered a serious health setback after experiencing a bronchial spasm on Friday, leaving him reliant on a ventilator to assist his breathing. The Vatican confirmed that while the 88-year-old Pontiff remains alert, doctors have yet to determine if he is out of immediate danger.
Francis, who had been hospitalised at Rome’s Gemelli hospital for the past two weeks with double pneumonia, had been showing signs of improvement before his condition deteriorated. On Friday afternoon, he vomited and suffered a constriction of the airways, a medical event that led to a “rapid worsening of his breathing,” according to a Vatican statement.
He was placed on a non-invasive ventilator, which was said to have provided positive results. “The Holy Father remained alert and oriented, collaborating with the therapeutic manoeuvres,” the Vatican reported, but added that further observation over the next 24 to 48 hours will be critical in assessing the Pope’s condition.
Pope Francis was initially admitted to hospital with bronchitis that left him struggling to breathe. He was subsequently diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs and experienced a severe breathing crisis last Saturday. Despite steady improvements earlier in the week, he remained on high-flow oxygen support.
On Thursday, Vatican officials had cautiously noted that “further days of clinical stability” would be required before he could be declared out of danger. However, Friday’s sudden downturn has cast fresh uncertainty over his recovery.
The Pope’s vulnerability to lung infections has been a longstanding concern, as he had part of a lung removed in his youth due to pleurisy.
Despite his health struggles, Francis continued working from his hospital suite, signing papal letters and keeping up with his duties. On Friday morning, he ate breakfast, read the newspapers, prayed, and underwent respiratory physiotherapy before the sudden episode in the afternoon.
News of his condition has prompted an outpouring of prayers and concern from Catholics worldwide. In Rome, congregations gathered at San Marcello al Corso church to pray for the Pontiff’s recovery.
Due to his illness, the Vatican has confirmed that Francis will not participate in the annual Ash Wednesday service on March 5, marking the beginning of Lent.
