Pope Francis has today been put back on ventilation after suffering two new episodes of respiratory crises, the Vatican said.
Following a weekend where the Pontiff, 88, 'rested well' after suffering a coughing fit on Friday evening, the Vatican have announced that the Pope's health worsened today.
Francis reportedly suffered two episodes of respiratory crisis caused by a 'significant' amount of mucus accumulation in his lungs and bronchial spasms.
The Pope is said to have inhaled 'copious' amounts of mucus but remained alert, oriented and cooperated with medical personnel.
'Today, the Holy Father suffered two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm,' this evening's statement from the Vatican read.
'Two bronchoscopies were therefore performed, with the need to remove large secretions.
'In the afternoon, non-invasive mechanical ventilation was resumed. The Holy Father remained alert, oriented and cooperative at all times.
'The prognosis remains guarded.'
The latest setback in the Pontiff's battle against pneumonia in both lungs comes as he endures his seventeenth day at Rome's Gemelli Hospital.
Pope Francis today suffered a setback in his battle against double pneumonia which has seen him endure 17 days in hospital (Pictured October 2022)
Francis reportedly suffered two episodes of respiratory crisis today caused by a 'significant' amount of mucus accumulation in his lungs and bronchial spasms (Pictured March 3)
The Pontiff remains at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where thousands of well-wishers have gathered to pray for his health (Pictured March 3)
AAfter suffering a 'coughing fit' in which he inhaled vomit on Friday evening, the Pope's condition improved over the weekend, with him being taken off ventilation yesterday.
The Vatican too announced that the Pontiff had 'slept well' last night, and 'had breakfast and began the day's therapies' this morning.
Pope Francis also issued a message from hospital earlier today after Vatican officials urged him to let his voice be heard amid his ongoing troubles with his health.
He addressed what he called a 'planetary crisis' in a letter to the general assembly of the Pontifical Academy for Life following a cry from one of his closest friends, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia.
'We need men like him who are truly universal and not only-one side,' said Paglia after a press conference following the launch of the Vatican's new bioethics academy.
While trying to maintain neutrality, the Pope has repeatedly called for peace between Ukraine and Russia as well as attempting to achieve a similar balancing act for Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza.
It was announced last week that despite his serious illness, Francis has continued his daily contact with Gaza's only Catholic church via phone call.
Vigils and tributes to the Pope have been placed around a statue of Pope John Paul II, situated outside of the Gemelli Hospital (Pictured March 2)
Well-wishers have gathered at St Peter's Basilica every evening to pray for the good health of the Holy Father (Pictured March 2)
Yesterday's service, during which a new Cardinal recites the Rosary Prayer everyday, was led by Cardinal Konrad Krajewski (Pictured March 2)
Well-wishers around the world continue to pray the Pope's good health, with a daily vigil service going ahead at 8pm (GMT) each evening at St Peter's Basilica, Vatican City.
At every service, Cardinals have read the Rosary Prayer with thousands gathering in the square to pray and sing hymns together.
Crowds have also been congregating outside the ward where Francis is receiving treatment in Rome, placing flowers and praying around a statue of the late Pope John Paul II which has been illuminated while the current leader of the Catholic Church battles his illness.
Earlier today, crowds were seen clutching crucifixes and engaging in prayer just metres away from the ward where the 88-year-old Pontiff has been receiving treatment.
(via. dailymail)
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