The Pope has ‘isolated’ breathing crisis in hospital, Vatican sources say
The Pope has had an “isolated” breathing crisis as he is treated in hospital for double pneumonia, the Vatican has said.
An isolated coughing fit, also described as a bronchial spasm, caused the 88-year-old to vomit and forced him to use an oxygen mask on his nose and mouth for the first time, the Vatican said.
The Holy Father breathed in some of the vomit, leading to “a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition”.
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Francis, who has been in Rome’s Gemelli hospital for a fortnight, was promptly aspirated, the Vatican said, and given non-invasive mechanical ventilation, to which he “responded well”.
He remained conscious and alert at all times, a spokesperson said.
Even though he is not intubated, his clinical conditions are “a bit worse than yesterday”, and the prognosis “remains reserved”.
Vatican sources admitted it had been “a hard day” but said the crisis, which started around 2pm local time, was resolved in the afternoon.
Doctors will need between 24 and 48 hours to understand if his overall condition has worsened because of the crisis, but they reported the Pope was “in good spirits”.
The incident contrasts with the upbeat assessment given earlier on Friday, when the Vatican said the pontiff’s doctors reported he may be over the most critical phase of his pneumonia infection.
It was the second day in a row where consultants avoided saying he was in a critical condition.
Francis, who suffered kidney trouble last weekend, had a peaceful night on Thursday and after waking and having breakfast, he read newspapers and split the morning between prayer in the chapel and respiratory physiotherapy, the Vatican said.
Vatican officials have made alternative plans for Ash Wednesday next week, making clear Francis still has a long road ahead.
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Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, a Vatican official and former vicar of Rome, will preside over the ceremony and procession that inaugurates the church’s solemn Lenten season leading up to Easter in April.
The Vatican cancelled a Holy Year audience scheduled for Saturday, and it remains to be seen if Francis will miss his Sunday noon blessing for the third week in a row.