The Pope's condition worsens again: he suffers two episodes of acute respiratory failure
The pontiff, who has remained lucid, has suffered a new attack of bronchospasm
BarcelonaAfter eighteen days in hospital, Pope Francis' health has worsened again. This evening he suffered two episodes of acute respiratory failure, according to the Holy See, but he has remained lucid throughout.
"Today the Holy Father has suffered two episodes of acute respiratory failure caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus," reads the daily statement. These episodes have caused a new crisis of "bronchospasm." For this reason, he has undergone two bronchoscopies and has had "abundant secretions" aspirated. In the afternoon he had to resume "non-invasive" mechanical ventilation, but he remained "lucid, oriented and cooperative."
This morning the statement from the Vatican Press Office assured that Pope Francis had slept well all night. "He woke up, had breakfast and began the day's therapies," the statement said.
The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized in Rome's Gemelli hospital since February 14 for bronchitis with a polymicrobial infection, in addition to bilateral pneumonia. However, the prognosis remains "reserved", meaning that doctors have not clarified the possible evolution of his clinical condition.
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