Vatican issues startling new Pope health update as doctors reveal prognosis 'uncertain'
Pope Francis has suffered "two episodes of acute respiratory failure", the Vatican has announced.
In the latest health update this evening, the Vatican confirmed the pontiff underwent two bronchoscopies, with doctors adding his prognosis is "uncertain".
The Vatican said he experienced “two episodes of acute respiratory failure, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm.”
It confirmed “two bronchoscopies were therefore performed,” and doctors needed to “remove large secretions.”
A bronchoscopy allows doctors to examine lungs and airways, which can be used to diagnose lung disease, treat lung conditions, or remove blockages in the lungs.
This afternoon the Pope had to return to “non-invasive mechanical ventilation", despite yesterday being “stable” and not requiring the “non-invasive mechanical ventilation” of previous days.
The Vatican added he remained “alert, oriented and cooperative at all times," and the prognosis "remains guarded.”
The Pope has been in Rome's Gemelli hospital since 14 February, where he was initially admitted to treat bronchitis following days spent with difficulty breathing.
The Vatican confirmed on 17 February he had a "polymicrobial infection" of his respiratory tract, which required a change in treatment.
He was then diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia on 18 February, an infection of both lungs, which presented a "complex picture" according to the Vatican.
His condition has since remained "critical".
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