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Sunday, Mar 02, 2025
Outside the box.
Pope Francis Experiences Breathing Crisis During Hospital Treatment
Vatican reports pontiff suffered an episode as he battles pneumonia, with cautious optimism from medical teams.
Pope Francis has encountered an "isolated breathing crisis" while undergoing treatment for pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli hospital.
This episode occurred on Friday afternoon, following a morning where the 88-year-old pontiff alternated between respiratory training and prayer.
The Vatican disclosed that the pontiff vomited, leading to inhalation of the vomit, which resulted in a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition.
In response to the incident, the pontiff was administered "non-invasive mechanical ventilation," which reportedly had a positive effect on his gas exchange levels.
Despite the acute setback, the Vatican stated that Pope Francis remained "alert and well-oriented" and is continuing with his treatment regimen.
Medical professionals have maintained a guarded prognosis, emphasizing the need for 24-48 hours to assess the impact of this episode on his overall health.
Pope Francis has been hospitalized since February 14, when he was admitted for a respiratory infection that developed into double pneumonia.
This hospitalization marks his longest stay as pope, matching a previous ten-day admission in 2021 for other health concerns.
Earlier medical updates from the Vatican provided a more optimistic outlook, indicating slight improvements in his condition over the previous days.
A CT scan conducted on Wednesday revealed a normal response to lung inflammation, and earlier diagnoses of mild kidney insufficiency had reportedly resolved by Friday.
Prior to the breathing crisis, there had been no major respiratory episodes for several days.
In light of his health issues, Francis will not lead the Ash Wednesday service on March 5, which marks the beginning of Lent.
Instead, a senior Vatican official will preside over the service.
The pontiff's health situation remains a focal point for many, prompting nightly prayer vigils at St. Peter’s Basilica and various locations across Italy and beyond.
Pope Francis's medical history includes previous lung issues stemming from an operation resulting from pleurisy in his youth, which led to part of a lung being removed.
In recent years, he has shown resilience in his duties despite ongoing health challenges, including recurring hospitalization for pneumonia and other ailments, prompting discussions about his significant workload and the strain it may impose on his health.
This episode occurred on Friday afternoon, following a morning where the 88-year-old pontiff alternated between respiratory training and prayer.
The Vatican disclosed that the pontiff vomited, leading to inhalation of the vomit, which resulted in a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition.
In response to the incident, the pontiff was administered "non-invasive mechanical ventilation," which reportedly had a positive effect on his gas exchange levels.
Despite the acute setback, the Vatican stated that Pope Francis remained "alert and well-oriented" and is continuing with his treatment regimen.
Medical professionals have maintained a guarded prognosis, emphasizing the need for 24-48 hours to assess the impact of this episode on his overall health.
Pope Francis has been hospitalized since February 14, when he was admitted for a respiratory infection that developed into double pneumonia.
This hospitalization marks his longest stay as pope, matching a previous ten-day admission in 2021 for other health concerns.
Earlier medical updates from the Vatican provided a more optimistic outlook, indicating slight improvements in his condition over the previous days.
A CT scan conducted on Wednesday revealed a normal response to lung inflammation, and earlier diagnoses of mild kidney insufficiency had reportedly resolved by Friday.
Prior to the breathing crisis, there had been no major respiratory episodes for several days.
In light of his health issues, Francis will not lead the Ash Wednesday service on March 5, which marks the beginning of Lent.
Instead, a senior Vatican official will preside over the service.
The pontiff's health situation remains a focal point for many, prompting nightly prayer vigils at St. Peter’s Basilica and various locations across Italy and beyond.
Pope Francis's medical history includes previous lung issues stemming from an operation resulting from pleurisy in his youth, which led to part of a lung being removed.
In recent years, he has shown resilience in his duties despite ongoing health challenges, including recurring hospitalization for pneumonia and other ailments, prompting discussions about his significant workload and the strain it may impose on his health.
