Pope Francis experienced two additional severe respiratory episodes on Monday, prompting doctors at the Vatican to place him back on noninvasive mechanical ventilation as part of his ongoing battle with pneumonia.
Health Setback and Medical Intervention
The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been struggling with a serious respiratory infection for over two weeks, underwent two bronchoscopies on Monday. During the procedures, doctors used a camera-tipped tube to remove large amounts of mucus from his lungs. According to Vatican sources, the excessive secretions were a reaction to his previous pneumonia, with laboratory tests indicating no new infections. Despite his weakened condition, the Pope remained alert and cooperated closely with his medical team.
Details of the Crisis
Medical staff noted that the accumulation of mucus and bronchial spasms led to the need for noninvasive ventilation—a treatment method that delivers oxygen via a mask without the need for intubation. Pulmonary expert Dr. John Coleman from Northwestern Medicine expressed concern over the persistent presence of mucus, emphasizing that it indicated Francis was struggling to clear his airways independently. “He’s taking little steps forward and then steps back,” Dr. Coleman remarked.
The Vatican confirmed that while the episodes were severe, they were treated as resolved by Monday, although the overall outlook remains guarded. Francis, who has a history of limited physical activity and relies on a wheelchair, continues to undergo respiratory physiotherapy aimed at improving his lung function.
Broader Implications and Reflections
The recent episodes add to the lengthy and challenging nature of Francis’ current hospitalisation, marking his longest absence from public view since his admission on February 14 with a complex lung infection. The Vatican has maintained a policy of privacy regarding his condition, though it defended the Pope’s decision to recuperate away from the public eye.
Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, one of Francis’ close aides, recently urged the Pope to speak out, highlighting the importance of his voice in today’s world. Paglia emphasized that Francis’s struggle serves as a powerful reminder of human fragility, particularly among the elderly, and called on the faithful to take care of one another.
As Pope Francis remains under close observation by his medical team, the Vatican continues to reassure the public that his care aligns with both modern medical practices and Catholic ethical guidelines. The Church holds that while ordinary care such as hydration and nutrition must be maintained, extraordinary measures can be reconsidered if they no longer benefit the patient.
With a guarded outlook and ongoing respiratory physiotherapy, the health of the pontiff remains the subject of vigilant monitoring as he continues his fight against pneumonia.
