POPE’S RESPIRATORY CONDITION WORSENS: VATICAN

Sat 01 March 2025:

Pope Francis’ respiratory condition worsened following an isolated bronchospasm, the Vatican said on Friday.

The Pope “after a morning spent alternating between respiratory physiotherapy and prayer in the chapel, experienced an isolated episode of bronchospasm,” the Holy See press office said in a statement.

“This caused an episode of vomiting, which led to him inhaling some and a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition.”

It added that the pontiff was promptly subjected to bronchial aspiration (to clear his airways) and was put on non-invasive mechanical ventilation, which improved his oxygen levels.

He has stayed alert and aware throughout, cooperating with the therapeutic treatment, it added.

The 88-year-old has been at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since Feb. 14 and is being treated for double pneumonia.

He was elected as Pope Benedict XVI’s successor at the age of 76 on March 13, 2013.

As of February 28, 2025, Pope Francis, aged 88, is hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he’s been since February 14, battling a severe respiratory condition.

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Initially admitted for bronchitis, his health deteriorated into double pneumonia—a serious infection affecting both lungs—complicated by a polymicrobial infection involving multiple organisms. This has made treatment challenging, requiring antibiotics, corticosteroids, and high-flow oxygen therapy.

He’s also experienced an asthma-like respiratory crisis and mild kidney insufficiency, though recent updates note slight improvement, with no fever and stable vital signs. Despite his critical but stable condition, he remains alert, working from his hospital room, and even making calls, like to a parish in Gaza.

His history of lung issues, including part of one lung removed in his youth, and other ailments like sciatica and past surgeries, heighten his vulnerability, but his doctors say he’s not out of danger yet, with a guarded prognosis. Catholics worldwide are praying for his recovery.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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