The Sat Report: Pope Francis suffers major health setback, requires non-invasive mechanical ventilation
Let us continue to pray for Pope Francis
Today marks two weeks since our Holy Father was admitted to Gemelli University Hospital, and after a few days of good news, the Holy Father suffered a major health setback after inhaling his own vomit, and though this was cleared immediately, he was put on non-invasive mechanical ventilation after falling into respiratory failure. He is in a critical condition.
My hospital sources are telling me that today was a hard day, adding that this episode happened at about 2 pm. The Pope wet into an “isolated episode of bronchospasm”, what can be termed a coughing fit, which caused the episode of vomiting, which unfortunately got into the Pope’s lungs. They are also telling me that Pope Francis is conscious and in good spirits, but they say that the next 24 to 48 hours will now be significant.
The most important thing is that the mechanical ventilation is non-invasive, akin to what is used to treat sleep apnoea, and is working in maintaining the Pope’s blood oxygen levels. The big concern is aspiration pneumonia, and is why the next two days will be crucial.
Here is today’s statement from the Holy See Press Office in full:
The Holy Father, this afternoon, after a morning spent alternating between respiratory physiotherapy and prayer in the chapel, experienced an isolated episode of bronchospasm. This caused an episode of vomiting, which led to him inhaling some and a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition.
The Holy Father was promptly subjected to bronchial aspiration (to clear his airways) and was put on non-invasive mechanical ventilation, which improved his oxygen levels.
He has remained alert and aware at all times, cooperating with therapeutic treatments.
The prognosis, therefore, remains guarded.
In the morning, he received Holy Communion.
This evening the fifth of nightly rosaries for the health of Pope Francis has held in St. Peter’s Square, tonight led by Tucho Cardinal Fernández, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, close friend and protégé of Pope Francis, with the entire Roman Curia and most of the other Cardinals resident in Rome in attendance.
Let us all please continue to pray for the Pope, whose condition is critical, during this very trying time for him.
Oremus pro Pontifice nostro Francisco. Dominus conservet eum, et vivificet eum, et beatum faciat eum in terra, et non tradat eum in animam inimicorum eius.