Pope’s Health Crisis Triggers Anxiety, Remains Stable

Vatican Confirms Pope’s Breathing Crisis, But He Remains Resting

Pope Francis, who has been battling pneumonia for two weeks, experienced a sudden breathing crisis at Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Friday. The Vatican stated that this incident led to an episode of vomiting and a rapid deterioration in his respiratory condition following a coughing episode, identified as bronchospasm.

At 88 years old, the Pope was given respiratory assistance via a face mask. In a reassuring update issued on Saturday, the Vatican confirmed that the Pope had a "peaceful night" and was resting. A Vatican official also noted, “I think he had coffee this morning,” indicating his stable condition. While doctors are monitoring his situation, they estimated that it could take 24 to 48 hours to determine whether any lasting effects or setbacks have occurred.

The Vatican refrained from providing a prognosis but emphasized that the Pope remained alert and "in good spirits."

In their statement on Friday, the Vatican explained that the Pope’s breathing crisis occurred in the afternoon, following a morning of alternating between respiratory physiotherapy and prayer in the chapel. The bronchospasm led to vomiting, which caused a sudden decline in his respiratory function. However, he responded well to treatment after undergoing bronchoaspiration and non-invasive mechanical ventilation.

The Vatican did not disclose how long the crisis lasted but stated that the Pope’s response to treatment was positive. This incident follows a period of slightly more optimistic updates regarding the Pope's health, where the Vatican had reported "slight improvement."

The Pope had received Communion earlier that morning. Despite these developments, the Vatican reiterated that the Pope's stay at the hospital is due to the "complex" nature of his health condition.

This marks the longest hospital stay and the most prolonged absence from the public eye for the Pope since his papacy began in 2013. The extended hospital stay has understandably raised concerns among many Roman Catholics. Italian media outlets had previously reported that the Pope’s condition was no longer critical, which led to a reduction in media focus on his health. However, his recent health crisis has brought the topic back into the spotlight.

"Another Crisis, Anxiety for the Pope" reads the headline in Il Messaggero, while Il Giornale reported "Vomiting and Breathing Crisis: Anxiety for the Pope Returns," capturing the worry and prayers of Catholics. The Pope was admitted to the hospital on February 14 after experiencing several days of breathing difficulties. Initially diagnosed with bronchitis, he later developed pneumonia in both lungs. On February 22, the Vatican reported a respiratory crisis that placed him in critical condition. However, a subsequent update indicated that no further respiratory issues had occurred, and the Pope asked for prayers.

Though the Vatican has spoken positively about his health in recent days, it emphasized that additional time and clinical stability are required before fully assessing the situation.