Pope Francis Health Update: Pope Francis, who has been in the hospital for nearly three weeks, suffered two acute “episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency” on Monday evening.
According to the Holy Press Office, the 88-year-old pontiff is reportedly back in “non-invasive mechanical ventilation”. This comes after the pope was said to be in stable condition over the weekend, after an “isolated” breathing crisis on Friday.
According to the Vatican, the statement said that the respiratory insufficiencies were caused by a significant substantial buildup of endobronchial mucus – a buildup of mucus in the bronchi which led to the bronchospasm. The hospital performed bronchoscopies, which is a procedure in which a tiny camera is used to let doctors see inside the lungs, “with the need to remove large secretions”.
However, the pope is said to be alert, oriented and cooperative.
“Today, the Holy Father suffered two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm. Two bronchoscopies were therefore performed, with the need to remove large secretions. In the afternoon, non-invasive mechanical ventilation was resumed. The Holy Father remained alert, oriented and cooperative at all times,” the statement read.
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No New Infections Detected
Despite the two episodes, his white blood cell count remains unchanged, which suggests that there are no new infections present and that the mucus buildup is only the result of his pre-existing pneumonia.
The two episodes were caused by a bronchial reaction as the body tried to expel accumulated mucus to eliminate bacteria. The Pope’s condition remains complex, and the statement further added that it is likely for similar episodes to recur.
Pope has been in Rome’s Gemelli hospital since he was admitted on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection that triggered other complications. According to a report by The Guardian, medical experts have said that due Francis’s age and chronic respiratory disease, the recovery will take time.
Pope Francis will not lead the annual Church service this week to open the Christian season of Lent on Wednesday. Ash Wednesday, which starts the 40-day period of Lent leading up to Easter Sunday, is on March 5. It has been entrusted to a senior Vatican official.
