The Pope has had an “isolated” breathing crisis as he is treated in hospital for double pneumonia, the Vatican has said.
The crisis caused the 88-year-old to vomit and forced him to use an oxygen mask on his nose and mouth for the first time, Vatican sources said.
The Holy Father suffered a bronchial spasm, which caused him to breathe in vomit, causing “a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition”.
Francis, who has been in Rome’s Gemelli hospital for a fortnight, was promptly aspirated, they said, and given non-invasive mechanical ventilation, to which he “responded well”.
He remained conscious and alert at all times, a spokesperson said.
Even though he is not intubated, his clinical conditions are “a bit worse than yesterday”, Vatican sources said, adding that the prognosis “remains reserved”.
The sources admitted it had been “a hard day” and said Francis “looked depressed”.
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The crisis, which started around 2pm local time, was resolved in the afternoon.
Doctors will need between 24 and 48 hours to understand if he has worsened because of the crisis, but they reported the Pope was “in good spirits”.
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