File photo. Pope Francis has been in Rome's Gemelli Hospital since 14 February. Photo: AFP / Alberto Pizzoli
- Pope suffers two attacks of 'acute respiratory insufficiency'
- Doctors perform two bronchoscopies to evaluate air passages
- Pope's prognosis remains 'guarded', statement says
Pope Francis suffered two episodes of "acute respiratory insufficiency", the Vatican said, in another setback for the 88-year-old pontiff as he continues to battle double pneumonia.
Francis has been in Rome's Gemelli Hospital since 14 February, and has not been seen in public since. He was admitted with a severe respiratory infection that triggered other complications.
"Today, the Holy Father experienced two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus," the latest detailed medical update on Monday (local time) said.
The pope, it said, also suffered a bronchospasm, akin to an asthma attack, which required doctors to perform two bronchoscopies, or procedures to evaluate his air passages.
To help with breathing, the pope had to use "non-invasive, mechanical ventilation," said the statement. It said the pope's prognosis remained "guarded", which means he is not out of danger.
Monday's news of more breathing difficulties for the pontiff came after relatively upbeat statements during the weekend and after another constriction of his respiratory airways reported on Friday.
Francis has experienced several bouts of ill health over the last two years and is prone to lung infections because he had pleurisy as a young adult and had part of one lung removed.
Double pneumonia is a serious infection in both lungs that can inflame and scar them, making it difficult to breathe.
Francis' latest hospitalisation marks his longest absence from public view since his papacy started in March 2013, and his doctors have not said how long his treatment might last
- Reuters
