Pope Francis suffered a health setback on Friday after a severe coughing fit led to the inhalation of vomit, prompting doctors to administer non-invasive mechanical ventilation, the Vatican said.
The development marked a concerning turn in the 88-year-old pontiff’s recovery from double pneumonia, following what had been two days of improving health at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where he has been receiving treatment since February 14.
Despite the episode, which resulted in what doctors described as a “sudden worsening of the respiratory picture,” the Vatican assured that Pope Francis remained conscious and alert throughout. He responded well to treatment and continued to receive supplemental oxygen via a mask, officials said.
Doctors have kept the pontiff’s prognosis under close observation, stating that the next 24 to 48 hours will be crucial in assessing the impact of the incident on his overall condition.
The Pope, who had part of a lung removed in his youth, was admitted to the hospital after a bout of bronchitis deteriorated into pneumonia in both lungs. While earlier updates from doctors had suggested a stable recovery, Friday’s turn of events has renewed concerns over his health.
‘Extremely concerning’
Medical experts have expressed concern over the latest setback.
Dr. John Coleman, a pulmonary critical care specialist at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, described the situation as “extremely concerning,” noting that prolonged respiratory issues in an elderly patient with a history of lung disease can lead to complications.
“The Pope has been in the hospital for over two weeks, and now we’re seeing an aspiration event requiring even higher levels of support,” Coleman told The Associated Press. “Given his age, previous lung resection, and overall fragility, this is very concerning.”
Another expert, Dr. William Feldman of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, noted that the use of non-invasive ventilation was a method to avoid intubation. “Often, this is used as a way of trying to stave off invasive mechanical ventilation,” he said.
The coughing episode on Friday was different from the longer respiratory crisis Pope Francis suffered on February 22. Vatican doctors described it as an “isolated crisis of bronchial spasm,” noting that the Pope inhaled vomit during the coughing fit.
While no reference has been made to the Pope being in “critical condition,” Vatican officials remain cautious, acknowledging the complexity of his case.
Prayers for recovery
As news of the Pope’s health setback spread, prayers poured in from around the world.
In St. Peter’s Square, Argentine Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, a close confidant of Pope Francis, led an evening prayer gathering. Addressing the crowd, he urged them to pray not only for the pontiff but for all those suffering due to war, illness, and poverty—issues close to Francis’ heart.
“He would want us to pray for others as well,” Fernández said.
Similar gatherings took place in Mexico City, where dozens assembled at the city’s cathedral to pray for the Pope’s recovery.
“He is like part of the family,” said Araceli Gutiérrez, who recalled the Pope’s 2016 visit to Mexico. “That’s why we feel so concerned for him.”
From Colombia, María Teresa Sánchez expressed her deep connection to the Pope, describing him as “a relative within the higher-ups, with God.”
Despite his hospitalization, Pope Francis has remained engaged in his duties. On Friday, the Vatican released an official document signed by the pontiff from the hospital, underscoring his commitment to his responsibilities even in illness.
Doctors are expected to provide further updates in the coming days as the Pope continues his recovery.
