Pope suffers new setback in hospital

The latest medical bulletin describes a ‘sudden worsening’ of his respiratory condition

Pope Francis suffered a serious medical setback in hospital this afternoon when he had a bronchial spasm that led to complications.

The pope, aged 88, who still has pneumonia in both lungs, was immediately given “non-invasive” mechanical ventilation after the spasm, which caused him to inhale his own vomit.

In the evening bulletin today, the Holy See press office said: “The Holy Father in the early afternoon of today, after a morning spent alternating respiratory physiotherapy with prayer in the chapel, presented an isolated crisis of bronchospasm which, however, resulted in an episode of vomiting with inhalation and a sudden worsening of the respiratory picture.”

The crisis is a worrying setback after several days where the pope’s condition had shown regular, if slight, improvements, although doctors have continued to remain cautiously reserved about his prognosis. Earlier today, the Vatican said he would not be leading next week’s Ash Wednesday service marking the beginning of Lent.

The bulletin continued: “The Holy Father was promptly bronchoaspirated and began noninvasive medical ventilation, with a good response on gas exchange. The Holy Father remained alert and orientated at all times, cooperating with therapeutic manoeuvres. Therefore, the prognosis still remains reserved. In the morning he received the eucharist.”

Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin is among those who were at the Gemelli hospital in Rome offering prayers for the Pope and all those caring for him. He said he was thinking of all those who are in hospital at this time. The Pope was admitted to hospital two weeks ago today, on 14 February.

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