Pope Francis was resting on Tuesday after experiencing two acute respiratory crises on Monday that required a return to noninvasive mechanical ventilation, the Vatican confirmed.
Francis, 88, has had double pneumonia for more than two weeks and remains under medical supervision as doctors work to stabilize his condition.
In a typically brief early morning update, the Vatican said, “The pope slept through the night, now rest continues.” Officials said that despite the setbacks, Francis remained alert and cooperative with medical staff, though his prognosis remained uncertain.
Andrew Medichini/AP Photo
Why It Matters
The pope’s prolonged health issues raise concerns about his ability to fulfill his papal duties. Given his existing chronic lung disease and history of partial lung removal, respiratory infections pose a heightened risk. His health challenges also come amid ongoing discussions within the Catholic Church regarding leadership succession and governance.
Francis has previously spoken about end-of-life care in the context of Catholic teachings. In a 2017 address to the Vatican’s bioethics think tank, he said, “There is no obligation to have recourse in all circumstances to every possible remedy.” He referred to decisions involving the withdrawal of “overzealous treatment” as morally acceptable under certain conditions.
What To Know
Francis has been receiving treatment at Rome’s Gemelli hospital since February 14.
The Vatican said on Monday that doctors extracted “copious” amounts of mucus from the pope’s lungs, a result of his body’s reaction to the pneumonia rather than a new infection. Two bronchoscopies were performed to clear his airways, and he was again placed on noninvasive mechanical ventilation to aid breathing.
Medical experts say the procedures indicate a significant mucus buildup. Dr. John Coleman, a pulmonary critical care specialist at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, told the Associated Press that such interventions were concerning. “The fact that they had to go in there and remove it manually is concerning, because it means that he is not clearing the secretions on his own,” said Coleman, who is not involved in the pope’s care.
Despite efforts to improve lung function through respiratory physiotherapy, Francis’ condition suggests an ongoing struggle with secretion clearance, potentially due to muscle weakness and limited physical activity. Doctors have not indicated whether intubation is being considered as an option.
Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP Photo
What People Are Saying
Dr. John Coleman told the Associated Press: “He’s taking little steps forward and then steps back.”
Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, the president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, told reporters on Monday: “Today the pope is giving us an extraordinary teaching on fragility. Today the pope, not through words but with his body, is reminding all of us, we elderly people to begin with, that we are all fragile and therefore we need to take care of each other.”
What Happens Next
Vatican officials have not indicated any plans to discharge the pope, whose hospitalization reaches 18 nights on Tuesday.
In 1981, St. John Paul II set the papal record for the longest single hospital stay when he spent 55 days in Gemelli.
The Vatican continues to closely monitor Francis’ health, and another update is expected later on Tuesday.
This article contains reporting from the Associated Press.