Pope Francis Suffers Sudden Respiratory Episode, Put On Breathing Machine

Pope Francis was placed on a breathing machine after suffering a sudden episode of respiratory difficulty, prompting heightened concern from doctors as they monitor his ongoing lung-related medical struggles.

Friday’s respiratory crisis was complicated by vomiting that led to aspiration, prompting doctors to place the pontiff on a breathing device, according to CNN.

The Vatican indicated that Pope Francis wore a mask rather than being intubated and “remained alert and oriented at all times.”

Medical officials expect better insight into his recovery over the next 24-48 hours, but a Vatican representative cautioned that Francis remains at risk. This marks his fourth and now longest hospital stay since assuming the papacy in 2013.

In light of his condition, he is stepping back from next week’s Ash Wednesday service for only the second time in his 12-year tenure.

Francis originally sought medical attention at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital roughly two weeks ago, owing to a series of respiratory setbacks. His previous bout of pneumonia, which reportedly followed a case of bronchitis, underscored preexisting lung complications from his youth, when he battled severe pneumonia that led to the partial removal of one lung.

Twice-daily bulletins from Vatican officials indicate that, while doctors perceived modest progress as recently as Thursday, the pontiff’s overall prognosis remains guarded.

Vatican statements describe how caregivers have cleared Francis’ schedule to concentrate on his recovery, marking an unusual disruption to his normally active routine. He has experienced intermittent symptoms over the past year, which some medical observers believe may stem from his earlier procedures and susceptibility to infections.

Meanwhile, as the pope continues to recuperate, other senior Catholic figures have publicly called for prayers.

Argentinian Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández remarked, “Certainly it is close to the Holy Father’s heart that our prayers be not only for him, but also for all those who, in this particular dramatic and suffering moment of the world, bear the heavy burden of war, sickness, and poverty.”

Pope Francis was placed on a breathing machine after suffering a sudden episode of respiratory difficulty, prompting heightened concern from doctors as they monitor his ongoing lung-related medical struggles.

Friday’s respiratory crisis was complicated by vomiting that led to aspiration, prompting doctors to place the pontiff on a breathing device, according to CNN.

The Vatican indicated that Pope Francis wore a mask rather than being intubated and “remained alert and oriented at all times.”

Medical officials expect better insight into his recovery over the next 24-48 hours, but a Vatican representative cautioned that Francis remains at risk. This marks his fourth and now longest hospital stay since assuming the papacy in 2013.

In light of his condition, he is stepping back from next week’s Ash Wednesday service for only the second time in his 12-year tenure.

Francis originally sought medical attention at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital roughly two weeks ago, owing to a series of respiratory setbacks. His previous bout of pneumonia, which reportedly followed a case of bronchitis, underscored preexisting lung complications from his youth, when he battled severe pneumonia that led to the partial removal of one lung.

Twice-daily bulletins from Vatican officials indicate that, while doctors perceived modest progress as recently as Thursday, the pontiff’s overall prognosis remains guarded.

Vatican statements describe how caregivers have cleared Francis’ schedule to concentrate on his recovery, marking an unusual disruption to his normally active routine. He has experienced intermittent symptoms over the past year, which some medical observers believe may stem from his earlier procedures and susceptibility to infections.

Meanwhile, as the pope continues to recuperate, other senior Catholic figures have publicly called for prayers.

Argentinian Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández remarked, “Certainly it is close to the Holy Father’s heart that our prayers be not only for him, but also for all those who, in this particular dramatic and suffering moment of the world, bear the heavy burden of war, sickness, and poverty.”