Pope Francis suffers ‘sudden worsening’ of respiratory issues, given mechanical ventilation

Pope Francis’ condition suffered a “sudden worsening” Friday afternoon after “an isolated crisis of bronchospasm,” the Vatican said Friday. 

The 88-year-old pontiff spent the morning undergoing respiratory physiotherapy and praying in the chapel.

In the early afternoon he suffered the bronchospasm, which “resulted in an episode of vomiting with inhalation and sudden worsening of the respiratory picture.”

A bronchospasm is when the muscles in the bronchi, the airways that connect the lungs to the windpipe, tighten and cause airways to narrow, limiting the intake of oxygen, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

He was bronchoaspirated and given noninvasive mechanical ventilation, which he responded well to, the Vatican said. 

Throughout the ordeal he remained alert and oriented. His prognosis “remains reserved.”

The Holy Father has been hospitalized since Feb. 14. He was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital for bronchitis and is now receiving care for double pneumonia, meaning pneumonia in both lungs.

The Holy See Press office said that he had a peaceful night Thursday evening. 

The Vatican said Wednesday that Francis’ condition showed “further slight improvement” over a 24-hour period, noting that a “mild renal insufficiency” noted in recent days had receded.