By Joshua McElweeVATICAN CITY (Reuters) – Pope Francis had a restful night, the Vatican confirmed on Tuesday, following a setback the day before while he continues to battle double pneumonia in the hospital. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been receiving treatment at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since February 14, experienced two episodes of “acute respiratory insufficiency” on Monday, necessitating a return to non-invasive mechanical ventilation to aid his breathing. The Vatican relayed that the pontiff slept well throughout the night and is currently resting, with a comprehensive medical update on his condition anticipated on Tuesday evening. This marks the longest period during his papacy that Francis has not made a public appearance.
The recent setback came after a string of positive updates on his health. The Vatican attributed the two respiratory episodes on Monday to a notable buildup of endobronchial mucus, resulting in a bronchospasm akin to an asthma attack, requiring two bronchoscopies to examine his air passages. Despite the earlier positive reports, the Vatican noted that the pope’s prognosis remains “guarded,” underscoring that he is still at risk. A Vatican official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization, disclosed on Monday evening that the pontiff’s blood tests had shown stability.
Francis, over the past couple of years, has encountered various health challenges and is particularly vulnerable to lung infections due to a history of pleurisy during his youth and partial lung removal. Double pneumonia, a severe infection affecting both lungs, can trigger inflammation and scarring, leading to breathing difficulties.
(Reporting by Joshua McElwee, editing by Alvise Armellini and Andrew Heavens)
