In a concerning development, Pope Francis faced two severe respiratory episodes on Monday that necessitated the reintroduction of noninvasive mechanical ventilation, as confirmed by the Vatican. These incidents marked new challenges in his ongoing battle against pneumonia.
Medical teams conducted two bronchoscopies to remove a significant amount of mucus from his lungs. The procedure involved inserting a camera-equipped tube into the airways to extract the fluid. The Vatican clarified that this mucus buildup was linked to the initial pneumonia infection, with tests ruling out new bacterial infections.
Despite these events, Pope Francis remained conscious, responsive, and cooperative with his doctors, although his overall prognosis remained cautious. The Vatican did not confirm his current stability but spoke of the crises as concluded, implying a temporary resolution.
This setback comes amidst a challenging period for Pope Francis, who has been contending with a complex respiratory infection for more than two weeks. His medical history includes chronic lung disease, and part of one lung was surgically removed.
Dr. John Coleman, a specialist in pulmonary critical care from Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, remarked that the recent episodes were more alarming than the previous incident on Friday. During that earlier episode, Pope Francis experienced a severe coughing fit, inhaled some vomit which then necessitated removal, and required mechanical ventilation for a brief period.
Coleman noted that the use of bronchoscopies to remove mucus and phlegm signals a significant concern regarding the pope’s inability to clear lung secretions independently. “The need for manual removal suggests he can’t naturally expel these secretions,” he noted, although he is not directly involved in the pontiff’s treatment.
In updating his condition, the Vatican disclosed that a “significant accumulation” of mucus and bronchial spasms were responsible for his breathing difficulties. The Pope was again placed on noninvasive mechanical ventilation, which uses a mask to deliver oxygen.
Pope Francis, who now primarily uses a wheelchair due to mobility issues and is overweight, had been undergoing therapy aimed at improving lung function. However, his physical limitations hinder his ability to expel respiratory secretions effectively.
No new images or videos of Francis have been released since he was hospitalized on February 14, marking the longest absence of his 12-year tenure. While the Vatican supports his desire for a private recovery, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, a close confidant, urged him to speak publicly, citing the global need for his voice.
Francis recently penned a message to an assembly expressing concerns about the waning effectiveness of international organizations due to narrow-minded, self-serving national interests. This correspondence was dated February 26 from Gemelli Polyclinic.
The use of noninvasive ventilation serves as a preventive measure against intubation. During his current hospitalization, Pope Francis has not required intubation, and it remains unclear if he has set any limits regarding his treatment should he experience a decline.
Catholic doctrine mandates the preservation of life from conception until natural death, advocating “ordinary” care for chronically ill patients while acknowledging that “extraordinary” measures can be withheld if deemed non-beneficial or overly burdensome. In a 2017 address, Francis noted that not all medical interventions are obligatory, allowing for the cessation of disproportionate treatment.
Archbishop Paglia, responsible for interpreting the Catholic Church’s stance on end-of-life care, emphasized that the pope would adhere to Church teachings in such situations. “Today, the pope exemplifies fragility, reminding us all, especially the elderly, of our shared vulnerabilities,” Paglia stated.
While Pope Francis’s current 17-night hospital stay is considerable, it falls significantly short of the papal precedent set by St. John Paul II, who endured extended hospitalizations throughout his pontificate. John Paul’s longest single stay occurred in 1981, lasting 55 days due to surgery and subsequent complications.
