The Pope has had an “isolated” breathing crisis as he is treated in hospital in Rome.
According to the Independent, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis had suffered a bronchial spasm that required mechanical ventilation, which is another setback in his two-week long battle against double pneumonia. The Vatican further reported that the 88-year-old pontiff had a good level of gas exchange and was conscious and alert at all times.
Since his hospitalization on February 14, the media had two consecutive days of positive news surrounding Francis’ health condition. The Vatican released a press statement Monday, giving an update on the Pope’s condition and noting that lab tests had come back with positive results.
“The Holy Father’s clinical condition, despite its severity, has shown a slight improvement,” the Vatican said. “No episodes of asthma-like respiratory distress occurred today, and some laboratory tests have shown improvement. The monitoring of his mild kidney insufficiency has not raised any concerns. Oxygen therapy continues, although with slightly reduced flow and oxygen levels. Given the complexity of the clinical picture, the doctors are prudently maintaining their cautious prognosis.”
The Pope’s latest episode, which occurred early Friday afternoon, was a significant setback. However, have refrained from reclassifying his condition as “critical.”
Alternative arrangements for Ash Wednesday had already been set in motion by the Vatican. The ceremony, which will be held on March 5, will be presided over by Vatican official and former vicar of Rome Cardinal Angelo De Donatis.
According to the Associated Press, blood tests conducted last week showed the Pope had early signs of kidney failure, although his physicians have said that his condition is “under control.”
“The complexity of the clinical picture, and the necessary wait for drug therapies to provide some feedback, dictate that the prognosis remains guarded,” the Pope’s doctors said.
