Pope Francis was placed on a breathing machine on Friday after experiencing a sudden episode of respiratory difficulty, the Vatican has confirmed in its latest medical update.
The episode was complicated by vomiting, some of which he aspirated.
Medical staff addressed the aspiration issue before placing him on mechanical ventilation. Despite this, the Vatican stated that the pontiff “remained alert and oriented at all times.”
A spokesperson later clarified that he is not yet considered out of danger.
Francis was first admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital two weeks ago following persistent lung-related issues, including bronchitis and pneumonia. This marks his fourth and longest hospitalization since becoming pope in 2013.
The pontiff has faced lung-related health struggles for much of his life. As a young man, he had severe pneumonia, leading to the removal of part of one lung.
The Vatican has since been providing twice-daily updates on his condition. On Thursday, it reported that Francis’ health was “improving” but that his prognosis remained uncertain.
Due to his intensive medical treatment, his schedule has been cleared. Earlier on Friday, the Vatican announced that he would not lead next week’s Ash Wednesday service, marking the beginning of Lent. This will be only the second time in his 12-year papacy that he has missed the service, with a cardinal expected to lead in his place.
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