Rome, Italy – Pope Francis is facing a series of medical crises at the age of 88, as the Vatican announced on Monday that he experienced two incidents of acute respiratory failure. These episodes were caused by a buildup of mucus in his airways, leading to difficulty breathing. Since being hospitalized last month, the pontiff has been battling double pneumonia, with this hospital stay being his fourth and longest since becoming pope in 2013.
Earlier on Monday, the pope underwent two bronchoscopies to remove secretions, and he was later given an oxygen mask to assist with his breathing. Despite the complications, sources from the Vatican reported that Francis remained alert and cooperative throughout the episodes of respiratory distress. Even though the crisis has now passed, the pope’s health status remains reserved, with blood tests showing no significant changes.
In light of his healthcare needs, the pope’s schedule has been adjusted to prioritize his treatment. He was unable to lead the Angelus prayer for the third consecutive week and will also miss the Ash Wednesday service, which is traditionally led by the pope and marks the beginning of Lent. The Vatican announced that a cardinal will lead the service instead of Francis.
Family members, including his cousin Carla Rabezzana, expressed concern for the pope’s well-being, as they have not been able to communicate with him directly. The last contact the family had with Francis was during a phone call on Christmas, prior to his hospitalization. Throughout his life, Pope Francis has battled lung-related issues, stemming from severe pneumonia in his youth that resulted in a lung surgery.
Despite the complex nature of his health condition, the Vatican continues to issue updates twice daily regarding the pope’s progress. As Francis receives intensive medical care at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, the global Catholic community remains vigilant about his recovery. With a history of overcoming health challenges, the pontiff’s resilience and spirit in the face of adversity are sources of inspiration for many around the world.