Pope Francis, 88, recently experienced a serious respiratory episode, leading to his hospitalization at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
The incident involved a bronchial spasm and vomiting, with some aspiration causing a sudden decline in his breathing. Medical professionals quickly administered noninvasive mechanical ventilation, and the Pope responded well to the treatment.
Despite the severity of the situation, Pope Francis remained alert and aware throughout the ordeal.
He had a stable night following the episode, managing to drink coffee and read newspapers the next morning, which indicated signs of improvement.
The Pope has a history of respiratory issues, including a partial lung removal during his youth due to severe pneumonia.
This medical background makes him more vulnerable to complications. Before this incident, he had been hospitalized for bronchitis, which had developed into double pneumonia over the past two weeks.
Due to his current health condition, Pope Francis is expected to miss the upcoming Ash Wednesday service on March 5.
This would be only the second time in his 12-year papacy that he will not lead this significant religious event.
The Vatican has cleared his schedule to prioritize his recovery, with doctors closely monitoring his health over the next couple of days to gauge his progress.
The Catholic community worldwide continues to offer prayers and support for the Pope’s recovery, recognizing the challenges posed by his age and medical history.
The situation remains delicate, with further updates expected from the Vatican as the Pope recuperates.
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