Vatican sources said Pope Francis suffered a breathing crisis in hospital which led to an episode of vomiting with inhalation – and a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition
Pope Francis has suffered an “isolated” breathing crisis in hospital that resulted in him breathing in vomit, Vatican sources say.
The 88-year-old received non-invasive mechanical ventilation as a result, but the development marks yet another setback in his two-week long battle against double pneumonia. The pontiff has been at Gemelli Hospital in Rome since February 14 – where he was diagnosed with a “complex” respiratory infection, sparking fears for his life.
Vatican sources said: “This afternoon, after a morning spent alternating respiratory physiotherapy with prayer in the chapel, the Holy Father presented an isolated attack of bronchospasm which, however, led to an episode of vomiting with inhalation and a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition.
“The Holy Father was promptly aspirated and started on non-invasive mechanical ventilation, with a good response on gas exchange. The Holy Father always remained vigilant and oriented, collaborating in the therapeutic manoeuvres. The prognosis therefore remains reserved. In the morning he received the Eucharist.”
The Vatican has already made alternative plans for Ash Wednesday next week, making clear Francis still had a long road ahead. Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, a Vatican official and former vicar of Rome, will preside over the March 5 ceremony and procession that inaugurates the church’s solemn Lenten season leading up to Easter in April.
Earlier Friday, Francis had spent the morning alternating high flows of supplemental oxygen with a mask and praying in the chapel. He had breakfast, read the day’s newspapers and was receiving respiratory physiotherapy, the Vatican said. Doctors did not resume referring to Francis in “critical condition,” which has been absent from their statements for three days.
In Mexico City, a few dozen people gathered on Thursday night at the cathedral to pray for Francis’ recovery. “He is like part of the family,” said Araceli Gutierrez, who treasures the time she saw the pope during his trip to the country of nearly 100 million Catholics in 2016. “That’s why we feel so concerned for him.”
Maria Teresa Sanchez, who was visiting from Colombia with her sister, said that she has always felt close to Francis – the first Latin American pope. “That’s like having a relative within the higher-ups, with God,” she said. “He has done so much for religion; he’s such a humble person.”
It comes after reports that the Swiss Guard protecting The Pope had begun planning his funeral after the 88-year-old warned he “might not make it this time”. Swiss newspaper Blick reported that funeral rehearsals were already underway, with members under a curfew as they prepare “for the pontiff’s death”.
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