In brief
Pope Francis remains alert after suffering two incidents of acute respiratory failure, requiring medical intervention and the use of a ventilator. Admitted to the hospital 18 days ago, he has faced ongoing health challenges but continues to communicate with the public.
Pope Francis is currently alert after experiencing two episodes of "acute respiratory failure" on Monday afternoon, according to a statement from the Vatican. Medical doctors urgently intervened to clear mucus from the Pope's lungs, but they confirmed he was alert throughout the procedure. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been hospitalized for 18 days, has resumed using an oxygen mask and ventilator for breathing assistance, though the Vatican assures he remains "alert, focused and cooperative." This incident marks the third significant health crisis for the Pope since his admission to the hospital. Just last Friday, Pope Francis faced an "isolated" breathing emergency, which involved vomiting. Vatican updates indicated that he responded positively to oxygen therapy. Before the recent incidents, officials reported that the Pope had been weaned off non-invasive ventilation and was only using high-flow oxygen therapy. Following Monday’s health setbacks, however, he has returned to requiring mechanical ventilation.Due to his ongoing illness, Pope Francis has not been able to deliver his traditional Angelus prayer in person for three consecutive weeks, prompting the Vatican to release written comments from him instead. The messages sent from his hospital room are said to have been prepared "in the past few days," expressing gratitude towards those praying for him and his medical team.Catholics have been flocking to the Gemelli hospital in Rome, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Pope, as they had done in the past when he appeared at the window. Despite reassurances of stability from the Vatican, the pontiff's health remains serious enough that he is unable even to address the crowd gathered outside.Pope Francis originally entered the hospital on February 14 due to breathing difficulties persisting for several days. Initially diagnosed with bronchitis, he soon underwent treatment for pneumonia affecting both of his lungs. His medical history makes him particularly vulnerable to pneumonia, as he had a partial lung removal following pleurisy, an inflammation of the lungs, during his youth.Vatican insiders continue to emphasize that the Pope's condition is complex, urging caution as healthcare professionals work tirelessly in his care and treatment, reiterating that he remains in a precarious state.
