Pope Francis faces new health scare: Respiratory crisis deepens
Pope Francis, who has been in hospital for over two weeks due to bilateral pneumonia, spent a quiet night and is resting, the Vatican reported on Saturday.
After a previous improvement in the Pope's health, on Friday Francis experienced a respiratory crisis at the Gemelli Hospital, and his health condition worsened. The Vatican announced in the evening that he had suffered a single bronchial spasm, which led to vomiting and a sudden deterioration of the respiratory system. The 88-year-old Pope underwent bronchoaspiration and began non-invasive mechanical ventilation, to which his body responded well.
New updates on the Pope's health condition
On Saturday morning, the Holy See issued a brief statement regarding Francis's health condition: "Pope Francis slept well and is resting," it said.
Another update is expected in the evening. Meanwhile, as Reuters indicates, doctors need 24 to 48 hours to accurately assess how Friday's episode affected the Holy Father's clinical condition.
For another day, believers are gathering in front of the hospital where Francis is staying, as well as in St Peter's Square. People are coming from all over Italy and abroad.
The 88-year-old Pope was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome on 14 February after several days of breathing difficulties. He was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia. Tests also showed a mild initial kidney failure, which "is under control."
Francis, who has served as the head of the Catholic Church since March 2013, has been suffering from recurring health issues for two years. In his youth, he contracted pleurisy and had part of one lung removed — this makes him particularly susceptible to lung infections.
