Pope Francis' condition worsens again: What the Vatican says
Photo: Pope Francis (Getty Images)
Pope Francis experienced two episodes of respiratory failure today, March 3. He is once again on mechanical ventilation, according to Vatican News.
"Today, the Holy Father experienced two episodes of acute respiratory failure caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and subsequent bronchospasm," the statement said.
In response, doctors performed two bronchoscopies with the necessary aspiration of abundant secretions.
"In the afternoon, non-invasive mechanical ventilation was resumed," the Holy See specified.
They added that the prognosis for the Pope "remains cautious."
Acute respiratory failure
Acute respiratory failure makes breathing difficult. In the case of Pope Francis, this condition occurred because mucus blocked the airways, leading to bronchospasm.
In such a state, urgent medical intervention is required to clear the airways of mucus.
Pope Francis was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia in February, which led to his hospitalization.
Since then, the pontiff's condition has fluctuated multiple times. He remains in the hospital for now.
