Pope Francis suffers setback in hospital with more respiratory problems, Vatican says
VATICAN CITY āĀ Pope Francis suffered two episodes of āacute respiratory insufficiencyā 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 Romeās 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.
āToday, the Holy Father experienced two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus,ā said the latestĀ detailedĀ 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 ānon-invasive, mechanical ventilation,ā said the statement. It said the popeās prognosis remained āguardedā, which means he is not out of danger.
Mondayās news of more breathing difficulties for the pontiff came after relatively upbeat statements during the weekend and after another constriction of his respiratory airwaysĀ reported on Friday.
Francis has experiencedĀ several bouts of ill healthĀ 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 pneumoniaĀ is a serious infection in both lungs that can inflame and scar them, making it difficult to breathe.
Francisā 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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