Pope Faces “Isolated” Breathing Crisis While Hospitalized for Double Pneumonia, Vatican Reports

The Vatican reported that the 88-year-old Pope experienced an isolated coughing fit, described as a bronchial spasm, which led to vomiting and required him to use an oxygen mask on his nose and mouth for the first time.

The Holy Father inhaled some of the vomit, resulting in a sudden deterioration of his respiratory condition.

Pope Francis, who has been receiving treatment at Rome’s Gemelli hospital for two weeks, was quickly aspirated and placed on non-invasive mechanical ventilation, the Vatican confirmed. He responded well to the treatment and remained conscious and alert throughout.

Although he has not been intubated, his condition has slightly worsened compared to the previous day, and his prognosis remains uncertain.

Vatican sources acknowledged that it had been “a hard day,” but confirmed that the crisis, which began around 2 p.m. local time, was resolved by the afternoon.

Doctors will need 24 to 48 hours to assess whether the episode has significantly impacted his overall condition. However, they noted that the Pope remained “in good spirits.”

The episode marked a stark contrast to the Vatican’s earlier update on Friday, when doctors suggested the Pope might be past the most critical stage of his pneumonia.

For the second consecutive day, consultants stopped short of describing his condition as critical.

According to the Vatican, Pope Francis, who experienced kidney trouble last weekend, had a restful night on Thursday. After waking up and having breakfast, he spent the morning reading newspapers, praying in the chapel, and undergoing respiratory physiotherapy.

With Ash Wednesday approaching next week, Vatican officials have arranged alternative plans, acknowledging that Pope Francis still faces a long road to recovery.

Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, a Vatican official and former vicar of Rome, will lead the ceremony and procession marking the start of Lent, the sacred season leading up to Easter in April.

Meanwhile, the Vatican has canceled Saturday’s Holy Year audience, and it remains uncertain whether Pope Francis will miss his Sunday noon blessing for the third consecutive week.