Pope presents respiratory failure, says new medical bulletin

“Today, the Pope presented Two episodes of acute respiratory failure caused by significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm. Two bronchoscopies were performed to aspire the secretions. In the afternoon, the noninvasive mechanical ventilation was resumed, ”said the Vatican.

Also according to the bulletin, the Pope has no new infection, but his health is still “complex”. “Blood tests remain unchanged, with no signs of leukocytosis. This indicates that there is no new infection, and that mucus accumulation is a consequence of pneumonia. Today’s crises were caused by the response of the bronchi to the accumulated mucus, ”details the document.

The Pope was admitted to the Polyclinic Gemelli, in Rome, on the day February 14. After an apparent improvement last week, he suffered a respiratory crisis on Friday (28). However, his state of health stabilized over the weekend and now worsened on Monday (03).

For the third consecutive Sunday, Pope Francis did not hold the traditional Angelus prayer. The Vatican, however, released a text written by him, in which he thanks “for the prayers that rise to the Lord of so many parts of the world.”

Francisco also stated that he feels “all the affection and proximity” of the faithful. “In this particular moment, I feel ‘loaded’ and supported by all the people of God. Thanks to all of you, ”he said.