The 88-year-old pontiff faced two severe episodes leading to temporary ventilation support while expressing gratitude to followers praying for his health; concerns grow among the faithful about his future and papacy.
Pope Francis in Alert Condition Following Acute Respiratory Episodes
Pope Francis in Alert Condition Following Acute Respiratory Episodes
Pope Francis remains alert but requiring medical assistance after experiencing acute respiratory failure, as confirmed by the Vatican.
The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis, age 88, remains alert despite experiencing two episodes of "acute respiratory failure" on Monday afternoon. Medical intervention was necessary as doctors worked to clear mucus from the Pope's lungs; however, he remained conscious and engaged throughout the treatment. Following these episodes, the pontiff has resumed the use of an oxygen mask and ventilator to aid his breathing.
This marks the third significant health setback for Pope Francis since his hospitalization 18 days ago for pneumonia. Just last Friday, he encountered an "isolated" breathing crisis that involved vomiting and required oxygen therapy, although officials reported that he had progressed to high-flow oxygen therapy before Monday's events necessitated a return to more intensive care.
As a result of his ongoing illness, Pope Francis has been unable to deliver his traditional Angelus prayer in person for three consecutive weeks. Instead, the Vatican has been publishing written remarks from his hospital room in Rome, thanking his supporters and medical team. Notably, the pontiff is set to miss the procession and mass marking Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent.
In St. Peter's Square, hundreds of concerned Catholics gathered for the eighth night to pray for the Pope's recovery, with many expressing a mix of hope and anxiety concerning his health. "I come every night to pray, but this night I am pretty worried," stated Javier, a Romanian priest among the gathered crowd. This sentiment was echoed by Patricia, a Catholic from Toledo, who expressed worries for the future of the Church, especially concerning the potential selection of a successor with more conservative views.
Pope Francis was initially admitted to the hospital on February 14 after experiencing breathing difficulties. His medical history includes a past incident of pleurisy, which has left him more susceptible to pneumonia, an infection that poses significant risks as he ages. While the Vatican maintains that his condition is stable, medical professionals stress the complexity of his health situation and note that he remains in a precarious state, requiring continued caution.
As the world watches, further updates are expected from the Vatican regarding the Pope's recovery and continued treatment.
This marks the third significant health setback for Pope Francis since his hospitalization 18 days ago for pneumonia. Just last Friday, he encountered an "isolated" breathing crisis that involved vomiting and required oxygen therapy, although officials reported that he had progressed to high-flow oxygen therapy before Monday's events necessitated a return to more intensive care.
As a result of his ongoing illness, Pope Francis has been unable to deliver his traditional Angelus prayer in person for three consecutive weeks. Instead, the Vatican has been publishing written remarks from his hospital room in Rome, thanking his supporters and medical team. Notably, the pontiff is set to miss the procession and mass marking Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent.
In St. Peter's Square, hundreds of concerned Catholics gathered for the eighth night to pray for the Pope's recovery, with many expressing a mix of hope and anxiety concerning his health. "I come every night to pray, but this night I am pretty worried," stated Javier, a Romanian priest among the gathered crowd. This sentiment was echoed by Patricia, a Catholic from Toledo, who expressed worries for the future of the Church, especially concerning the potential selection of a successor with more conservative views.
Pope Francis was initially admitted to the hospital on February 14 after experiencing breathing difficulties. His medical history includes a past incident of pleurisy, which has left him more susceptible to pneumonia, an infection that poses significant risks as he ages. While the Vatican maintains that his condition is stable, medical professionals stress the complexity of his health situation and note that he remains in a precarious state, requiring continued caution.
As the world watches, further updates are expected from the Vatican regarding the Pope's recovery and continued treatment.
