Vatican: Pope Experienced Two Episodes of Respiratory Failure

Pope Francis experienced two episodes of respiratory failure, according to reports from the Vatican. The 87-year-old pontiff's health condition has been a topic of concern in recent days, prompting medical attention. The Vatican has not disclosed further details about the Pope's treatment, but his health will continue to be monitored closely. The episodes were reportedly brief, and the Pope is receiving appropriate care.

Pope Francis experienced two instances of "acute respiratory failure" on Monday, according to the Vatican.

These episodes were triggered by a "substantial buildup of endobronchial mucus, leading to bronchospasm," as stated by the Vatican’s press office.

Doctors explained that acute respiratory failure meant the Pope wasn’t responding to oxygen therapy. Endobronchial mucus refers to mucus and fluid accumulating in the lungs' deep sections, causing bronchospasm, which results in a coughing fit.

The Pope underwent two bronchoscopies, with doctors needing to extract a significant amount of secretions. Noninvasive mechanical ventilation was resumed, and the Pope remains "alert, oriented, and cooperative," the Vatican reported.

Bronchoscopies are used to deeply suction out mucus and fluids, according to doctors. The resumed noninvasive mechanical ventilation involves using a high-pressure oxygen mask, they clarified. Vatican sources explained that the mucus buildup is a typical response to pneumonia.

The Pope's prognosis remains "reserved," as per the Vatican's evening update.

Sources from the Vatican stated that the Pope's blood levels are stable, with no increased white blood cell count indicating infection.

Although the Pope has a complex medical condition previously described, he is not out of danger, Vatican sources said. Doctors are maintaining caution and keeping the possibility of a crisis open.

Doctors emphasized that a patient's condition can fluctuate daily.

Earlier on Monday, the Vatican reported that the Pope "rested well" overnight, marking his 17th night at Rome's Gemelli Hospital.

A brief statement from the Holy See confirmed that the Pope had a good night’s rest.

On Sunday, the Vatican reported that the Pope’s condition remained "stable." Vatican sources shared that the Pope had breakfast, including coffee, and continued with his treatment. He also read the daily newspapers as usual.

The Pope, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, was admitted to Gemelli on February 14 and diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia.

Church officials had reported his stable condition on Saturday, following a bronchospasm attack the previous Friday.

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Source: abcnews‍