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Pope Francis, who had been showing signs of recovery from double pneumonia, experienced a setback in his health condition. The Vatican reported that the Pope suffered "an isolated crisis of bronchospasm," which led to coughing and vomiting, resulting in the inhalation of vomit and worsening his respiratory state.
The incident occurred after Pope Francis spent his morning engaged in respiratory physiotherapy and prayer at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. Around 2 p.m., he encountered the bronchospasm crisis followed by vomiting. Medical staff quickly intervened to clear his airways and initiated noninvasive mechanical ventilation, which helped stabilize his blood oxygen levels.
"The Holy Father remained alert and oriented at all times, cooperating with the therapeutic procedures," stated the Vatican. However, his prognosis remains cautious as doctors monitor for potential complications from inhaling vomit over the next 24 to 48 hours.
A Vatican source explained that Pope Francis is now receiving more intensive oxygen therapy through a mask covering his nose and mouth, replacing previous methods like the "ventimask" and nasal cannula used since February 27.
Despite these challenges, the source noted that Pope Francis is in good spirits and responsive to those around him. He has received numerous messages of support from well-wishers worldwide.
Due to his health condition, Pope Francis will not lead Ash Wednesday services on March 5. Cardinal Angelo De Donatis will instead conduct the procession from St. Anselm Church to Santa Sabina Basilica for Mass.
As part of ongoing prayers for Pope Francis' recovery, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández will lead a rosary in St. Peter’s Square on February 28. Since February 24, cardinals have been leading nightly rosaries for this purpose.
The Vatican has yet to announce plans for the Angelus prayer on March 2. In previous weeks, while unable to deliver an audio message or appear at his hospital window, text prepared by Pope Francis was shared with those gathered in prayer outside Gemelli Hospital.
