Feb. 28 (UPI) — The Vatican said Friday that Pope Francis is on a breathing machine after suffering a sudden respiratory episode during his hospitalization.
“The Holy Father, this afternoon, after a morning spent alternating between respiratory physiotherapy and prayer in the chapel, experienced an isolated episode of bronchospasm. This caused an episode of vomiting, which led to him inhaling some and a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition,” the Vatican statement said.
The prognosis remains guarded and the pope “was promptly started on non-invasive mechanical ventilation, to which he is responding,” the Vatican added.
The pope is not out of danger and the prognosis remains guarded, according to the Vatican.
But Pope Francis remained “alert and aware at all times, cooperating with therapeutic treatments.”
Francis is 88 and has been hospitalized for two weeks with double pneumonia and had been improving.
During his hospitalization he has suffered some kidney failure and has been in critical condition as doctors treat what they say is a complex clinical situation.
