The Vatican on Friday released a statement stating that Pope Francis has been placed on a breathing machine after experiencing a sudden episode of respiratory difficulty.
The disclosure was made in the Vatican latest medical update on the dwindling health of the Pope.
According to the report, the episode was complicated by vomiting, some of which the Pope aspirated.
“Medical staff addressed the aspiration issue before placing him on mechanical ventilation,” the report stated.
Despite this, the Vatican stated that the pontiff “remained alert and oriented at all times.”
A spokesperson of the Vatican later clarified that the Pope is not yet considered out of danger.
Recall that Pope Francis was first admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital two weeks ago. This was following persistent lung-related issues, including bronchitis and pneumonia. This marks his fourth and longest hospitalization since becoming pope in 2013.
The pontiff has faced lung-related health struggles for much of his life.
“As a young man, he had severe pneumonia, leading to the removal of part of one lung.
The Vatican has since been providing twice-daily updates on his condition.
On Thursday, it reported that Francis’ health was “improving” but that his prognosis remained uncertain.
“Due to his intensive medical treatment, his schedule has been cleared.
Earlier on Friday, the Vatican announced that he would not lead next week’s Ash Wednesday service, marking the beginning of Lent.
“This will be only the second time in his 12-year papacy that he has missed the service, with a cardinal expected to lead in his place,” the Vatican said.