Religion

Pope Francis’ Health Worsens After 17 Days In Hospital

Pope Francis stands in his private library at the Vatican, Monday, Feb. 5, 2018. Pope Francis received a victims letter in 2015 that graphically detailed how a priest sexually abused him and how other Chilean clergy ignored it, contradicting the popes recent insistence that no victims had come forward to denounce the cover-up, the letter's author and members of Francis own sex- abuse commission have told The Associated Press. (Alessandro Di Meo/Pool photo via AP)

Pope Francis has been placed back on mechanical ventilation following medical episodes after 17 days in the hospital.

The Vatican announced in a statement that the Pope “suffered two significant episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency,” caused by a “significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm.”

Pope Francis’ underwent two bronchoscopies that resulted in large secretions removed, along with the continuation of non-invasive mechanical ventilation, the statement read.

“The prognosis remains guarded,” the Holy See said, adding the Pope’s condition remained “complex.”

The Pope has been hospitalized since Feb. 14 for treatment regarding his ongoing bronchitis, later being diagnosed with double pneumonia. He suffered a respiratory crisis on Feb. 28, leading to being placed on a non-invasive mechanical ventilator.

The 87-year old has suffered several health scares in recent years, with similar respiratory issues landing him in the hospital in 2023. Months later the Pope received abdominal surgery, a follow-up to a prior procedure the Holy Father received in 2021.

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