Concerns over Pope Francis’ health deepened on Monday as the 88-year-old pontiff suffered two acute respiratory crises due to complications from pneumonia, the Vatican announced.
The episodes, triggered by a significant buildup of mucus in his bronchial tubes, underscore the challenges he faces as he remains hospitalized in serious condition at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he has been receiving treatment for over two weeks.
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis has been battling double pneumonia and a complex infection, with his condition fluctuating between periods of improvement and setbacks. On Friday, he experienced a bronchial spasm, a condition medical experts say is common among elderly patients with weakened respiratory muscles.
Dr. Jeffrey Millstein, an internal medicine professor at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, explained that older individuals often struggle to clear mucus effectively, increasing the risk of such complications.
Despite these health challenges, the Vatican reassured the public that “The Holy Father has remained consistently alert, oriented, and cooperative.”
Pope Francis was first admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14 with bronchitis, which was later diagnosed as pneumonia in both lungs. His condition has raised significant concern due to his advanced age and a history of lung surgery, as he had part of a lung removed in his youth.
Nonetheless, the pope has continued to fulfill some official responsibilities from his hospital room. In recent days, he has approved the appointment of bishops and advanced five individuals on the path to sainthood.
The Vatican also reported that he had rested well on Monday morning, offering a glimmer of hope amid ongoing health challenges.
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