Pope Francis suffered “two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency” on Monday and had to be put back on non-invasive mechanical ventilation, the Vatican Press Office said in a statement.
The complication was caused by an accumulation of mucus in the tubes leading to his lungs, causing the surrounding muscles to spasm (known as bronchospasm) according to the Vatican. The pope previously suffered an episode of bronchospasm on Friday and was put on ventilation.
Non-invasive mechanical ventilation means that a mask was fitted but he was not intubated.
On Monday, doctors examined the insides of his respiratory system and removed “large secretions.”
“The Holy Father remained alert, oriented and cooperative at all times,” the Holy See statement said. The prognosis remains guarded. The Holy See has been emphatic in previous statements that his condition remains complex.
Following the Friday bronchospasm, doctors had alternated between non-invasive mechanical ventilation and long periods of supplemental high-flow oxygenation, to which he responded well.
Over the weekend he ate on his own, had coffee, read the newspapers, and got out of bed to pray. On Sunday, mechanical ventilation was discontinued, but he was still receiving supplemental, high-flow oxygenation. The Vatican said earlier on Monday that he had slept well through the night.
Pope Francis, who is 88, has been in the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome since February 14, suffering from a respiratory tract infection. His doctors confirmed on February 18 that he had developed bilateral pneumonia. During his stay in hospital he has suffered respiratory crises and mild kidney insufficiency.
At sites across Buenos Aires, Catholics have gathered to pray and hold masses for Francis.
