POPE Francis has suffered an “isolated” breathing crisis while receiving treatment in hospital, The Vatican has said.
The 88-year-old pontiff experienced a sudden deterioration in his condition following a bout of bronchospasm on Friday.
The illness triggered vomiting and further complications, a statement today said.
A statement 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.”
Medical staff acted swiftly, clearing his airways and initiating non-invasive mechanical ventilation.
“The Holy Father was promptly aspirated and started on non-invasive mechanical ventilation, with a good response on gas exchange,” the sources confirmed.
Despite the scare, Pope Francis remained alert throughout the ordeal, according to the Vatican.
“The Holy Father always remained vigilant and oriented, collaborating in the therapeutic maneuvers.”
Friday’s health crisis followed three days of more positive updates, with previous Vatican reports indicating a “slight improvement” as the Pope battles a “complex” infection caused by two or more micro-organisms.
A Vatican official, speaking anonymously, stated that the breathing issue “did not last a long time” and that doctors would need 24-48 hours to assess its impact on his clinical condition.
He has not been listed in critical condition for the past two days.
But while his condition appears to have stabilised, the prognosis remains uncertain.
“The prognosis therefore remains reserved. In the morning he received the Eucharist.”
In light of his fragile health, the Vatican also announced that Pope Francis will not lead the annual Ash Wednesday service on March 5, marking the beginning of Lent.
A senior Vatican official will take his place for the significant Church event.
Despite his hospitalization, the Pope has continued to oversee Vatican affairs.
Daily staff appointments requiring his approval are still being announced, and on Friday, the Vatican released a papal letter to participants in a Church training course in Rome, signed by Francis with a note stating it was sent “from Gemelli hospital.”
Cardinal Michael Czerny, head of the Vatican’s development office, told Italy’s La Stampa newspaper that while Francis is improving, it is happening “slower than what we would like.”
The Pope was admitted on February 14 after struggling with breathing difficulties, later being diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs.
Despite growing speculation about a possible resignation, the Vatican has firmly denied that Francis is considering stepping down.
Parolin himself dismissed the rumours, telling Corriere della Sera that “such speculation is useless” and that what matters now is the Pope’s health.
Francis, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, has a history of lung problems, having had part of one lung removed due to pleurisy as a young man.
His pre-existing condition makes pneumonia particularly dangerous for him, and doctors say his condition remains “touch-and-go.”
The Pope’s illness has prompted an outpouring of support from the faithful.
Thousands have been gathering in St. Peter’s Square to pray for his recovery, while visitors at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital — where he is being treated — paused to offer prayers at the statue of St. John Paul II outside the main entrance.
