Pope Francis’ health took a concerning turn on Friday evening as doctors at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital reported a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition following an isolated bronchospasm. The 87-year-old Pontiff, who has been battling bilateral pneumonia since his admission on February 14, required immediate medical intervention to stabilize his condition.
A bronchospasm is a sudden constriction of the muscles surrounding the airways, making breathing difficult. This condition is often triggered by infections, allergies, or environmental irritants and is commonly associated with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness, with severe cases leading to oxygen deprivation.
According to a statement from The Holy See Press Office, the Pope had spent his morning alternating between respiratory physiotherapy and prayer in the hospital chapel when he suffered the bronchospasm. The incident led to an episode of vomiting, causing some inhalation and a rapid deterioration of his breathing. Medical staff promptly performed bronchial aspiration to clear his airways and placed him on non-invasive mechanical ventilation to improve his oxygen levels.
Despite the severity of the episode, the Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis remains alert and cooperative with his treatment. His oxygen levels have reportedly stabilized after the non-invasive ventilation restored his gas exchange values to pre-incident levels. However, doctors remain cautious, stating that they require the next 24 to 48 hours to fully assess his condition and prognosis.
Earlier on Friday, before the health scare, the Pope received the Eucharist, a sign of his enduring faith and resilience. This latest development, however, casts uncertainty over his recovery, as he continues to battle pneumonia amid his already fragile health.
The Vatican has yet to provide further details on whether the Pope’s schedule will be affected in the coming days. Pope Francis, known for his steadfast commitment to his pastoral duties, has previously expressed his willingness to continue leading the Catholic Church despite his recurring health struggles.
With global concern growing over his well-being, the faithful worldwide have been urged to pray for the Pontiff’s recovery. As the world awaits further updates, all eyes remain on Gemelli Hospital, where medical teams are closely monitoring his condition.
The coming hours will be critical in determining the Pope’s health trajectory, as doctors work to ensure his stability amid this latest setback.
