Pope Francis, 88, has faced a frightening health crisis while battling double pneumonia. On Friday, he experienced a dangerous breathing issue that required immediate medical attention. His doctors had to put him on a ventilator after he inhaled vomit. The situation raised serious concerns about his health.
Sudden setback in his recovery
Vatican officials revealed that the pope’s condition worsened suddenly. He had a bronchial spasm, but fortunately, he remained conscious and alert during treatment. His oxygen levels were stable, and he responded well to the emergency care provided. Despite the improvement, doctors have said that his prognosis remains “guarded,” meaning they are still uncertain about what lies ahead.
While his health took a worrying turn, doctors did not use the term “critical condition.” This term had been notably absent from their statements for the past few days. Still, this alarming moment raised further concerns about the pope’s ability to recover fully.
A brief period of improvement
Before the spasm, reports had been increasingly positive. The pope had been spending his time in the Gemelli hospital, where he was admitted on February 14. On Friday morning, he was on high-flow oxygen and praying in the chapel. He had breakfast, read the news, and received respiratory physiotherapy, the Vatican confirmed.
Adjusting the Vatican calendar
Due to his ongoing health issues, the Vatican has made changes to the pope’s schedule. For Ash Wednesday on March 5, Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, former vicar of Rome, will lead the ceremony instead of Francis. The Vatican also canceled a planned Holy Year event for Saturday. These adjustments signal that Francis still has a long road to recovery.
Previous health struggles
This isn’t the first time Francis has dealt with health challenges during the colder months. In previous years, when battling bronchitis or the flu, he had scaled back his participation in major events. These included outdoor services during Ash Wednesday and Holy Week, both of which can be physically demanding.
Upcoming important events
Despite his health scare, Francis has several major events ahead. One of the most notable is the canonization of Carlo Acutis on April 27. Acutis, a young Italian teenager who passed away from leukemia at 15, is hailed as the first millennial saint. The Vatican considers him an inspiration for the youth of today.
On May 24, the pope is also set to preside over the commemoration of the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea. This event marks the first ecumenical council of Christianity and is of great historical significance.
As news of the pope’s condition spread, Catholics from around the world gathered in solidarity. In Mexico City, dozens of people gathered at a cathedral to pray for his recovery. Araceli Gutiérrez, who had seen the pope during his 2016 visit, expressed her concern, saying, “He is like part of the family.”
