London and Rome – Pope Francis suffered a “sudden worsening of his respiratory condition”, after an “isolated bronchospasm attack” that caused vomiting with inhalation, the Vatican said on Friday.
A bronchospasm is a cough attack.
The Pope underwent a bronco aspiration and put into non -invasive mechanical ventilation, with a good response in terms of gas exchange, said the Vatican.
The Pontiff, who has been hospitalized in Rome since February 14, remained alert and oriented while receiving treatment, said the Vatican.
His prognosis “is still uncertain,” said the Vatican.
On Friday, the Vatican press office said the Pope had a peaceful rest night at the hospital and continues his recovery in the hospital.
The images of Pope Francis are placed outside the Gemelli Hospital, where Pope Francis is admitted to receive treatment, in Rome, Italy, February 28, 2025.
Hannah McKay/Reuters
“As in recent days, the night spent peacefully and the Pope is now resting,” said the Vatican.
The authorities said that the condition of Pope Francis continued to improve on Thursday, with the pontiff alternating between high flow oxygenapia and a ventimask, according to the Vatican.
“Given the complexity of its clinical condition, more days of clinical stability are needed to clarify the prognosis,” said the Vatican.
“For the second time, a critical condition is not mentioned,” Vatican sources said to ABC News. “Then we can say that we have left the most critical phase and that we return to what was previously described as a complex image.”
On Thursday, the Pope dedicated the morning to respiratory physiotherapy and rest. In the afternoon, he met in prayer in the chapel of the private department on the 10th floor, receiving the Eucharist. The Pope then dedicated himself to work activities, according to the Vatican.
“The newsletter speaks of an improvement again, a light, but an improvement, but the fact that the prognosis is reserved means that doctors still have concern,” Vatican sources told ABC News.
The Pontiff, who directed the Catholic Church since 2013, was diagnosed with pneumonia last week, according to the Vatican.
