Pope Francis, 88, endured two serious bouts of "acute respiratory failure" on Monday, the Vatican has revealed. The Pope has been receiving treatment for double pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where he has been since February 14th.
Monday evening saw confirmation from the Press Office that the Holy Father experienced "two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm."
To treat these episodes, bronchoscopies were carried out to clear away the mucus. The statement from the Holy See Press Office added, "[On Monday] afternoon, non-invasive mechanical ventilation was resumed. The Holy Father remained alert, oriented and cooperative at all times," According to blood tests, Pope Francis does not have an increased white blood cell count, indicating there's no fresh respiratory infection.
However, the situation is delicate, and there could be more respiratory crises. His doctors have described his prognosis as "guarded".
On Tuesday morning the Vatican said: " The Pope slept through the night and now continues to rest."
An additional comment from the weekend highlighted that the pontiff had suffered vomiting and a marked deterioration in his respiratory condition, necessitating oxygen support via a face mask, a method to which he is responding positively.
As his health continues to be critical, the Pope has allegedly informed the Vatican of the possibility that he may not recover, and has started planning for his funeral. In the event of the Pope's passing, Irish Cardinal Kevin Farrell will have a key role in announcing the news globally and will also serve as the temporary pope until a new leader is chosen.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell is a high-ranking official in the Catholic Church and has held the position of Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church since 2019. It is traditionally the responsibility of the Camerlengo to confirm the death of a pope.
According to custom, following the medical declaration of the pope 's death, Farrell is said to visit the pope's body in his private chapel and call out his name. If there is no response, it is customary to destroy his signet ring, symbolising the end of his papacy.
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English (United States) ·