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Pope Francis experienced "two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency" on March 3, as confirmed by the Vatican. Despite these incidents, he remained alert. The Pope's condition had been described as "stable" prior to this development.
The Vatican's medical bulletin reported that the respiratory distress was due to a "significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and subsequent bronchospasm." Respiratory insufficiency is when the lungs fail to adequately take in oxygen or expel carbon dioxide.
Diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs on February 18, Pope Francis faced complications from mucus accumulation in his bronchial tubes. This condition can trigger respiratory crises.
On March 3, Pope Francis underwent two bronchoscopies for the aspiration of secretions. The bulletin stated, "The Holy Father remained alert, oriented and cooperative at all times."
He resumed non-invasive mechanical ventilation after previously relying only on high-flow oxygen therapy as of March 2. His doctors indicated that his prognosis "remains guarded."
There were concerns about potential infection following an incident on February 28 when he inhaled vomit during another respiratory crisis. However, blood tests showed no signs of developing infection; there was no elevated white blood cell count or fever.
A Vatican source clarified that the recent crises were provoked by his existing infection rather than a new one.
Despite Pope Francis' hospitalization, Vatican operations continue. Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher met with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda to discuss peace prospects in Ukraine. Meanwhile, U.S.-born Cardinal Robert F. Prevost was set to lead a rosary recitation for the pope on March 3.
