Pope Francis suffers setback in hospital with more respiratory problems, Vatican says

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis suffered two episodes of “acute respiratory insufficiency” on Monday, the Vatican said, in another setback for the 88-year-old pontiff as he continues to battle double pneumonia.

Francis has been in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since Feb. 14, and has not been seen in public since. He was admitted with a severe respiratory infection that triggered other complications.

“Today, the Holy Father experienced two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus,” said the latest detailed medical update.

The pope, it said, also suffered a bronchospasm, akin to an asthma attack, which required doctors to perform two bronchoscopies, or procedures to evaluate his air passages.

To help with breathing, the pope had to use “non-invasive, mechanical ventilation,” said the statement. It said the pope’s prognosis remained “guarded”, which means he is not out of danger.

Monday’s news of more breathing difficulties for the pontiff came after relatively upbeat statements during the weekend and after another constriction of his respiratory airways reported on Friday.

Francis has experienced several bouts of ill health over the last two years and is prone to lung infections because he had pleurisy as a young adult and had part of one lung removed.

Double pneumonia is a serious infection in both lungs that can inflame and scar them, making it difficult to breathe.

Francis’ latest hospitalization marks his longest absence from public view since his papacy started in March 2013, and his doctors have not said how long his treatment might last.

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