Pope Francis, who has been dealing with pneumonia for two weeks, recently faced a serious breathing issue while in the hospital. The Vatican reported that this incident involved coughing and vomiting, leading to a sudden decline in his respiratory condition.
During this crisis, doctors cleared his lungs and provided him with assistance to help him breathe more easily. Thankfully, after a challenging episode, the Pope had a peaceful night and is currently resting.
The medical team is monitoring his condition closely and will need 24 to 48 hours to assess any potential damage. Despite the challenges, they noted that the Pope remains alert and in good spirits.
This latest health scare occurred after a brief period where his condition seemed to improve. Just the day before, he received Communion in the morning and had been alternating between respiratory therapy and prayer. On February 14, the Pope was admitted to the Gemelli Hospital after experiencing breathing difficulties. Initially diagnosed with bronchitis, he later developed pneumonia in both lungs.
Previously, on February 22, the Vatican indicated that he experienced a respiratory crisis that put him in critical condition, though he stabilized after that episode. Following it, he expressed his hopes and asked Catholics to pray for him when he couldn’t deliver the Angelus prayer in person.
While his health is showing signs of improvement, the Vatican mentioned that he still needs several more days of stability to fully assess his condition.
Pope Francis, who is 88 years old, has a history of lung issues, having suffered from pleurisy and undergone partial lung removal in his youth. He has been hospitalized multiple times during his 12 years as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, including a bronchitis treatment at the same hospital in March 2023. As the first Jesuit and the first Latin American pope, he continues to inspire many around the world.