VATICAN CITY, Feb 28 (Reuters) - The Vatican announced that Pope Francis, 88, had an "isolated breathing crisis" in the hospital on Friday, while he continues to battle double pneumonia.
The statement reported that the pontiff experienced a bronchospasm crisis, a constriction in his respiratory airways resembling an asthma attack, along with vomiting and a sudden deterioration in his breathing. He received treatment for these issues, including aspiration to clear his airways and non-invasive mechanical ventilation. Despite these challenges, Francis "has remained alert and well-oriented" and is receiving ongoing care.
This development came after a series of more positive updates in the preceding days, suggesting slight improvement in his condition. The Vatican noted that the pope's recent respiratory issues did not persist for an extended period and that the ventilation he received was non-invasive.
Medical experts will evaluate the impact of the incident on his overall health in the next 24-48 hours. Although Francis has not been in critical condition for the past two days, his hospital stay continues, and he will not preside over the upcoming Ash Wednesday service, with responsibilities entrusted to another Vatican official.
Despite his health challenges over the past two years, the Vatican has not disclosed a timeline for his hospital discharge. Nonetheless, Pope Francis remains engaged in leading the Vatican's operations remotely from the hospital. Cardinal Michael Czerny commented in an interview that while the Pope's recovery is progressing, it may be slower than desired.